IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


|5o  "^    M^m 
"  "  KiS    12.2 


US 


I.I   i.-^  m 

=     m 

11:25  |||||_U    11.6 


^^ 


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^V' 


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Photogrcphic 
_Scie!ices 
Corpoii 


aocn 


V 


-^^ 


LV 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  873-4503 


1 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


D 


Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pelliculde 


□    Cover  title  missing/ 
Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  e   distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int^rieure 

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II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
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mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires.- 


L'lnstitut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplsire 
qu'il  lui  a  dtd  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mdthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu6s  ci-dessous. 


The 
to  tf 


I      I    Coloured  pages/ 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommag^es 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  peiliculdes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  d^colordes,  tachetdes  ou  piqu^es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d6tach6es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Qualitd  indgale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  matdriel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


I      I  Pages  damaged/ 

I — I  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

I    "1  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I      I  Pages  detached/ 

r~l  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I      I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I      I  Only  edition  available/ 


The 
posi 
of  tl 
filmi 


Orig 

begi 

the 

tion 

oth( 

first 

sion 

oril 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscjred  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  filmdes  d  nouveau  de  fapon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


The 
shal 
TIN 
whi 

Mai 
diff( 
enti 
bag 
righ 
req« 
mel 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous 

10X                            14X                             18X                            22X 

26X 

30X 

y 

Wt 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

University  of  British  Columbia  Library 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grflce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

University  of  British  Columbia  Library 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
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filming  contract  specifications. 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  filmi,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  c:  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ►  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  In  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimie  sont  film6s  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  una  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'lllustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmis  en  commen^ant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derntire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  —^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
ti!lm6s  A  des  taux  de  r6duction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  filmi  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droits, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  la  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

I  I 


' 


THE   BROWNIES 
ABROAD 


BY 
PALMER  COX 


'  I 


>    ^«M>^U 


PUBLISHED     BY 
THE  CENTURY  CO. 

NEW   YORK 


v:-^^ 


:  f 


Copyright,  1808,  by  Palmer  Cox. 
Copyright,  1800,  by  The  Century  Co. 


Printed  in  U.  S.  A. 


m 


/^roionies.  like  fairies  and 
^ gol)ltns,ave  imaginary  little 
sprites,  10//0  are  supposed  to 
delight  In  harmless  pranl{s 
and lieljoful  deeds.Theyuork 
and  sport  lolfile  weary  /jouse- 
holds  sleep, and  neuer  allou) 
ttiemselues  to  be  seen  hy 
mortal  eyes. 


4 1 


1,1 


CO:s'TENTS. 


i 

I 


'i 
1 


FAGK 


The  Brownies  ox  Board  the  Steamship 


The  Brownies  at  the  Zoo 


•  • 


The  Brownies  Shoot  the  Net 


The  Brownies  at  Flodden  Field 


The  Brownies  Cutting  Turf  . 


•  • 


•  •  • 


9 


.    17 


24 


.     31 


'  *i 


The  Brownies  on  the  Thames 


PAUI 


38 


The  Brownies  at  Waterloo     . 


.    46 


The  Brownies  on  the  Stage 


56 


The  Brownies  at  the  Lakes  of  Killarney 


65 


The  Brownies  at  Golf 


>:y^    The  Brownies  at  Chester 


•  • 


74 


81 


The  Brownies  at  Glen-da-Lough 


90 


The  Brownies'  Fox-Hunt 


PACK 


.     97 


The  Brownies  on  the  Appian  Way    . 


The  Brownies  Printing 


•  • 


112 


The  Brownies  on  Mount  Vesuvius 


The  Brownies'  Century  Run     . 


.  126 


.,  ii 


The  Brownies  and  the  Tide    . 


;r 


The  Brownies  Shopping 


•        •        • 


.  138 


ill 


#-^ 


BOOKS    BY    PALMER    COX: 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  CENTURY  CO 

THE  BROWNIES:  THEIR  BOOK 

Qiuirtu,    150   pages.     Price,    in    boards    $1.50 

ANOTHER  BROWNIE  BOOK 

Quarto,    150   p.igcs.     Price,    in    boards.   $1  so 

THE  BROWNIES  A I  HOME 

Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,   in   boards.  .^1.50 

THE  BROWNIES  AROUND  "'"^^ 

THE  WORLD 

Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,  in   boards    Sli.so 

I0:©!/,         THE  BROWNIES  THROUGH 

THE  UNION 

Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,   in    boards,   $1.50 


m 


THE  BROWNIES  ABROAD        i 

W"*^^'        -'  '''"^'^'    '-''°   P'''Kes.     Price,    in    boards,   $1.50 

'M¥k       THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE 
^^^  PHILIPPINES 

In  Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,  in   boards,  $1.50 

IHE  BROWNIES  LATEST 
ADVENTURES 

Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,   in    boards.   S1.50 

^"-^      THE  BROWNIES  MANY  MORE 

NIGHTS 

Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,    in    boards,   $1.50 

THE  BROWNIE  CLOWN  OF  ^^  ^^^ 

BROWNIEIOWN 


Oblong 


,    103    pages.     Price,    in    boards,    $1.00   ^W 4^^' ""  ; 


THE  BROWNIE  PRIMER 

1-    i.i.  .    108    |,a-e.v      Price,    m    dotb.    ^  .40    ,,^1. 


^^^^m      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^I^SS^Ik^^hj^i^^BH 

^H«v      ^v^*.^! 

\^  z-^  ^1 

ON  BOARD  THE  STEAMSHIP. 


o£  stately  ship  had  turned  her  pi'ow 

For  oeeaii  wide  the  waves  to  plow ; 
The  foaming  wake  that  spread  so  white 
Already  told  the  engine's  might ; 
The  sturdy  crew  so  tried  an<l  g(>od 
At  various  posts  of  duty  stood; 
But  from  the  skipper  to  tlie  man 
Wlio  greased  the  galley  frying- i)an, 
Not  one  was  witli  the  knowledge*  stored 
That  (umning  i^rownies  were  aboard. 
In  spite  of  guarding  gangway  plank, 
In  s])ite  of  watehing  ease  and  tank, 
In  spite  of  shouts,  "  All  those  ashoi'e 
Not  booked  to  eross  the  ocean  o'er!" 
The  Brownies  in  some  way  unknown    . 
Had  made  the  stately  ship  their  own.     I 


'i: 


ON   BOARD   THE   STEAMSHIP. 


Embedded  in  the  vessel's  coal, 
Where  several  members  safely  stole, 
Or  hid  in  bales  of  merchandise, 
The  Brownies  feared  no  prying  eyes, 
For  not  a  soul,  however  bright. 
Upon  that  ship  had  second  sight; 
And  none  can  hope  the  veil  to  lift 
That  screens  the  rogues,  without  that  gift. 
When  mists  hung 
low  around 


<»holeticl  the 

uiortd  rnai 


Tliosi  _.,_.-.._  ^, 
world  meir  light 
Oftmustborrou) 


from  Hie  nigKt. 


And  threatened  to  delay  the  trip, 
And  seamen  tried  to  penetrate 
The  gloom  that  hid  the  narrow  strait, 
The  Brownies  crept  from  bin  and  bale. 
From  crates  secured  with  screw  and  nail, 
From  corners  near  and  nooks  remote, 
And  from  the  davits  swung  a  boat 
Well  filled  with  members  of  the  band, 
Who  volunteered  to  bear  a  hand. 


ON   BOARD   THE   STEAMSHIP. 


i" 


A  line  was  fastened  to  the  bow, 

And  to  the  gig  below,  and  now 

With  mystic  power  they  swiftly  rowed, 

And  through  the  fog  the  vessel  towed. 

Strange  thoughts  indeed  ran  through  the 

head 
Of  those  who  stood  in  doubt  and  dread 

Upon  the  deck,  to  see  her  breast 

The  waves  while  engines  were  at  rest. 

Three  times  the  captain  orders  gave 

To  anchor  cast,  the  ship  to  save; 

But  changed  as  many  times  his  mind 

When  at  the  chart  he  looked  to  find 

8he  kept  the  proper  course  as  fair 

As  if  the  tiller  were  his  care. 

But  who  can  gage  a  mystic  strength, 

Or  strive  by  rules  to  fix  the  length 

To  which  it  runs  when  great  demands 

Are  made  on  every  pair  of  hands! 


M 


;i  f.fl 


I? 


'"\,  I 


I 


ili 


>    K 


ON   BOARD   THE   STEAMSHIP. 


To  even  fish  the  sight  seemed  strange, 
Who,  not  prepared  for  sucli  a  eluiuge, 
Kept  eyes  upon  tlie  eaptani's  gig 
Thus  towing  ronnd  a  sliip  so  big; 
And  news  soon   circled  tlirough  tlie  deep 
About  the  scene  when,  with  a  sweep 
That  stirred  the  ocean  to  its  bed. 
The  smaller  craft  the  greater  led. 
At  other  times  to  boats  they  flew 
When  fields  of  ice  appeared  in  view, 

And  from  the  vessel's  course  would  shove 

The  bergs  that  towered  high  above 

W^ith  poles,  and  knees,  and  hands,  and  bnvist, 

And  shoulders  into  service  pressed. 

They  moved  the  mass  with  mighty  strain 

That  almost  grounded  in  the  main. 

And  safelv  on  her  given  wav 

The  steamship  ran  without  delay. 

At  times  some  dynamite  they  tried, 
And  ice  was  scattered  far  and  wide, 
While  wildly  whirling  through  the  air 
W^eiit  walrus,  seal,  and  polar  bear. 
W^hiTi  sea-fowl  screamed  before  the  sale 
The  Brownies  reefed  the  splitting  sail, 
And  lasluMJ  the  boats  and  hatch«-vs  all. 
Lest  mountain  waves  should  on  th(>m  fall. 
At  times,  in  rows  along  the  rail, 
They  watched  the  spouting  of  a  whale, 
And  told  the  spot  where  next  he  'd  show 
His  h(^ad  above  the  waves  to  blow. 


ON   BOARD   THE   STEAMSHIP. 


Tlie  eagl(^  from  the  azure  sky 
Upon  the  ocean  l)ent  its  eye, 
And  marked  the  finny  tril)es  below, 
That  move  in  k'gions  to  and  fro. 
So  Brownies,  through  some  mystic  spark, 
Can  gaze  into  the  waters  dark, 
And  note  the  fisli  that  scud  around 
From  cape  to  cape,  from  sea  to  sound, 
As  plainly  as  if  great  and  small 
Were  hanging  in  a  market  stall, 
Or  on  a  huckster's  board  were  spread 
And  with  a  price  upon  tlieir  head. 
This  gift  induced  the  Brownies  queer 
In  ocean  dei'p  to  often  peer, 
And  hold  some  conversation  light 
About  the  fish  that  passed  in  sight. 
Said  one :  "  How  restless  as  the  air 
Are  those  cold-blooded  bone-freaks  tlxn-e- 
Some  formed  as  if  the  rogues  esca])(*(l 
From  nature's  hand  ere  rightly  shaped. 
And  thus  half  made  must  ever  glide 
A  laughing-stock  thr<mgii  ocean  wide; 
More  roandng  round  to  gather  in 
Whatever  has  a  weaker  fin ; 
While  others,  with  devices  strange. 
Command  respect  where'er  tli 


The  s;iw-fish,  ready  to  api)ly 
The  tool  to  every  passer-by; 
The  swordfish,  with  its  nasal  si)ike 
Unsheathed  in  peace  and  war  alike, 


'  n 


ON   BOARD  THE   STEAMSHir. 


The  bloater,  piiifed  so  much  with  pride 
There  's  room  for  httle  else  inside; 
The  pipe-fish,  ever  ready  found 
To  play  a  requiem  for  the  drowned ; 
The  eel,  with  batteries  in  its  tail 
To  shock  the  senses  of  the  whale, 
And  make  the  shark,  that  master  sinner 
Of  Southern  seas,  give  up  his  dinner." 
"They  're  like  some  men,"  another  said, 
"  With  surly  and  unsettled  head. 
Who  only  seem  content  and  blessed 
When  they  distm'b  some  person's  rest." 
Though  much  they  liked  to  have  their  say 
About  such  things  as  crossed  their  way, 


'I 


: 


,i 


ON  BOARD   THE  STEAMSHIP. 

Not  talk  alone  engaged  the  band, 
For  toil  at  times  taxed  every  hand. 
Some  nights  to  work  the  Brownies  stole, 
And  spent  tLieir  time  in  hea\ing  coal. 


Like  stokers  to  the  business  bred 
The  roaring  furnaces  they  fed. 
And  thus,  through  their  mysterious  aid, 
A  record-breaking  trip  was  made  — 
Assisting  when  the  fog  had  lowered. 
Assisting  when  the  iceberg  towered. 
Then  sweating  in  that  iron  cage 
To  keep  the  steam  at  highest  gage. 

No  wonder  lighthouse-keeping  men 

Would  rub  their  eyes  and  look  again. 

To  see  that  vessel  plowing  past 

Ahead  of  those  reputed  fast. 

Dear  Reader,  do  you  love  the  band? 

Then  reach  me  o'er  the  page  your  hand, 

7 


M 

"I 

•tp 

ll 


Let  him  not  boast 
uho  sni  K  aujay 
from  sliore, 
WiMihiiTi  wiio  home 
refurns  flip 
uoy  age  o'er. 


ON   BOARD   THE   HTEAMvSHIP. 

For  we  are  one  in  flesh  and  bono, 

As  if  we  knelt  at  altar-stone. 

Wlien  you  must  eross  the  ocean  wide 

And  dare  the  dan<:?ers  of  the  tide, 

Tlie  fogs  that  fill  the  soul  witli  dr(\ad, 

Tl»e  ice  collected  dead  ahead, 

The  furnace  hard  to  keep  aglow, 

The  men  undone  with  heave  and  throw, 


n 


T.iiMi  may  the  Brownies  take  a  trip 
Across  the  sea  upon  your  ship, 
And  she  will  leave  as  white  a  wake 
As  any  craft  that  records  break. 
And  hear  you  safely  to  the  pic^r 
Without  a  shock  or  shake  or  fear. 


Iw 

Ti 

it' 


i 


THE  BROWNIES 

AT  THE  Z(JO. 


moon  that  roso  at  sbut  of  day 
Among  the  stars  to  hold  her  way 
Ne'er  smiled  upon  u  brigiiter  scene 
Than  met  her  gaze  when  Brownies  keen 

For  sport  that  had  been  dnly  planned 

From  Primrose  Hill  surveyed  the  land 

And  blocks  of  buildings  stretching  quite 

Beyond  the  range  of  sharpest  sight. 

Said  one,  who  seemed  to  be  aglow 

With  love  for  all  things  here  below : 

"To  us  the  book  oi  natur<^  lies 

An  ever  new  and  glad  surprise; 

Each  day  a  leaf  that  does  unfold 

Some  glories  that  will  ne'er  grow  old. 

The  twinkhng  stars  our  joys  renew 

That  with  the  hght  of  morning  flew; 

The  moon,  though  seen  in  every  phase, 

Is  still  the  subject  of  our  praise; 

The  water  rolling  on  the  shore 

But  makes  us  wish  to  know  it  more; 

9 


:l    li 


■  i 


THE   BKOWNTES   AT   THE   ZOO. 


C;^ 


The  trcos  beneath  whose  sluulo  wo  rest 

Shall  ever  be  admired  and  blessed; 

The  brook  that  leaps  its  mountain  course 

But  lU'ges  us  to  seek  its  source. 

How  sad  to  be  a  mortal  man 

Who  wornes  throuj^h  his  earthly  span, 

Concerned  in  money-gettinj;'  schemes, 

Annoyed  by  debts,  disturbed  by  dreams! 

No  time  to  glance  around  and  trace 

The  beauty  spread  on  nature's  face." 

Then  talk  extended  through  the  band 

About  the  garden  near  at  hand, 

Where  they  could  view,  in  cage  and  pen, 

The  creatures  gathered  in  l)y  men. 

Not  broken  glass  upon  the  wall, 

Nor  spikes  to  pierce  one  like  an  awl, 

Can  k(H^p  th«^  Brownies  from  a  place 

To  which  they  turn  their  eager  pace. 

They  laugh  to  s(?orn  the  schemes  and  traps 

To  keep  one  out,  or  in,  perhaps, 

That  men  display   in  show  of  power 

Or  right  to  rul(»,  their  little  hour. 

Ere  long  they  found  tliemselves  inside, 

And  were  amused  and  gratified 

To  tind  a  large  collectiim  there 

Of  birds  and  beasts  on  wliich  to  stare. 

Few  gn^ater  pleasures  Brownies  tind 

Than  viewing  beasts  of  every  kind. 

Though  quite  domestic  in  their  trait, 

Or,  gathered  from  some  foreign  state, 

10 


, 


THE   BROWNIES   AT  THE   ZOO. 

To  glare  on  man  with  eyes  ablaze 
From  narrow  (rages  all  theii'  days. 
They  soon  made  hold  to  gently  lead 
Home  animals  from  hed  or  feed; 
And  hirds,  as  well,  that  in  their  way 
Could  give  delight  till  morning  gray. 


The  tall  giraffe  was  not  above 
Their  reach,  and  meekly  as  a  dove 
He  took  the  bit  and  bore  the  strain 
Of  saddle,  girth,  and  bridle-rein. 
A  ride  on  such  a  novel  steed 
Was  something  they  enjoyed  indeed, 

11 


III 


"I 


r 


THE  BKOWNIKS   AT  THE   ZOO. 

And  lights  ho^aii  to  lower  hiifii 
Before  each   Bi'ownie  luid  his  turn. 
The  only  (ljiii,i;'er  seemed  to  he 
From  hran(dies  of  the  j^mrden  ti'<'e, 
Wliieh  raked  its  hack  as  nmnd  it  strode, 
And  l>rought  alarm  to  all  the  load. 


I 


\ 


y^,.,-,t.'\<:'"^ 


The  ostrieh  was  no  less  a  prize 
That  soon  attracted  Brownie  eyes; 
And  yieldiuo-  to  their  mystic  hand, 
He  humbly  sat  upon  th(»  sand 
Until  enoug-h  were  })ooked  to  go 
To  make  his  legs  bend  hke  a  bow. 
Thus,  while  the  fini  was  at  its  height, 
And  every  face  was  smiliug  bright. 
And  nothing  seemed  to  hover  near 
To  stop  their  sport  or  waken  fear, 

12 


Hang  down  your  tie.-id 

when  omers  sin: 
Remember  nil  the  ujorid 
IS  hln . 


THE  BROWN  I  EH  AT  THE  ZOO. 


f 


Sonic  tr<>ul>l«'  WHS  not  far  removed 
That  all  their  art  and  eunninj;'  [)r<)ved. 
WhiU'  fumhlinji;  at  a  bolt  or  bar, 
By  chance  a  j;ate  was  left  ajar ; 
And  seizing?  their  advantajz;e,  soon 
Chimpanzee,  monkey,  and  baboon 


fAkHSR  Co/ '" 


Came  trooping  out,  and  lost  no  time. 
But  here  and  tliere  began  to  climb. 
A  task  before  the  Brow^nies  spread 
From  tree  to  shrub  and  tlower-bed 

13 


r 


i  I 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  THE  ZOO. 


That  fully  taxed  the  hand  and  mind 

And  all  their  native  tact  combined. 

Without  a  hook,  or  steel,  or  prod, 

A  wooden  club  or  iron  rod. 

At  once  a  general  move  was  made 

To  rectify  the  escapade. 

While  through  the  trees  some  wildly  chased, 

Around  the  houses  others  raced. 

With  such  an  active  swarm  to  hive 

They  had  to  keep  their  wits  alive; 

And  never  had  that  garden  gi-een 

Revealed  before  so  strange  a  scene. 

Those  who  pursue  for  many  a  mile 

The  ape  through  Madagascar's  isle, 

Explore  the  dark  Brazilian  shade 

To  catch  the  creatures  for  the  trade. 

Or  in  Australian  bushes  get 

The  little  whiskered  marmoset, 

Had  learned  some  points  to  help  their  case 

Could  they  have  seen  the  flight  and  chase. 

No  housetop  was  a  safe  retreat 

Where  one  might  long  maintain  a  seat, 

For  Brownies  like  a  vine  can  chmb 

Tlie  smoothest  wall  of  stone  or  lime. 

With  bite  and  scratch  that  garments  frayed, 

The  work  on  hand  was  mucu  delayed, 

Until  at  times  it  seemed  as  though 

Tlie  morning  sun  his  face  would  show 

Ere  those  evincing  strength  and  rage 

Were  safely  lodged  within  their  cage. 

14 


THE   BROWNIES  AT  THE   ZOO 


No  ape  could  leap 

a  garden  bed 
By  more  than  natural 

powers  sped, 
Nor  climb  a  wall 

or  slippery  limb 
With  more  than  natural 

skill  and  vim, 
While  Brownies  ow^a 

a  mystic  gift 
Which  gives  them  over 

all  a  lift. 


And  so  from  branch  and  chimnt^y-top 
The  chase  went  on,  without  a  stop. 
A  stranger,  busier  time  than  this 
Was  never  carried  on,  I  wis. 
Some  were  submissive  to  their  will, 
But  others  showed  a  temper  ill, 
And  set  on  freedom  such  a  price 
They  acted  any  way  but  nice. 
Though  pulling  back,  resistin'g  still. 
And  chattering  like  a  fanning-mill, 
No  choice  was  left  in  mystic  hands 
But  to  comply  with  all  demands ; 
No  pains  or  breaks  the  rogues  endured; 
They  simply  were  again  secured. 
The  minutes  fled,  and  hours  mn.  too, 
Before  the  gathering  in  was  through ; 
But  to  the  Brownie  band  belongs 
The  spirit  that  will  right  all  wrongs. 

15 


Tis  yrancl  To  spenU 
your  Tirid  Outright, 

8ut  first  ninhe  sure 
the  door  ■«  insight. 


1; 


'% 


i  . 

■l.: 
i. 


.Mi  il 


THE  BROWNIES   AT   THE   ZOO. 


^^ 


^v- 


?J^ 


5 

/< 

o 

^ 

8W> 

^ 

«:,  ■■ 

/,-, 

././• 

'.'■:. 

'/'>■. 

(.        ,.. 

-T//' 

^ 

''. 

^rr'./fyW:/- 

•TTi 

=1— c 

To  cage  they  led  —  no  easy  job  — 

The  long-tailed  monkeys  and  the  bob, 

And  thnist  them  in  behind  the  bars, 

To  chatter  at  the  moon  and  stars, 

Well  pleased  with  sport  the  night  had  brought, 

And  exercise  they  long  had  sought; 

For  never  had  they  so  ninch  air 

And  freedom  from  tlieir  prison  fare. 

Such  hide-and-seek  and  treatment  mild 

Since  they  ran  through  their  native  wild. 

Then,  turning  quickly  from  the  place, 

The  band  commenced  the  homeward  rac(^ ; 

And,  crowding  through  the  tunnel  dark, 

They  left  the  Zoo  and  Regents  Park. 


ffipimiiiii'iiil 


&« 


:'Ii 


r 


^-, 


THE  BROWNIES 

SHOOT  THE  NET. 

HE  droning  beetle's  dismal  1mm 
Gave  warning  that  the  night  had  come, 
When  out  from  nook  and  secret  bower 
Came  Brownies,  watchful  of  the  hour. 
Those  who  could  boast  a  second  sight 
Might  have  beheld  the  rovers  bright 
Proceeding  o'er  the  grassy  lea 
The  shortest  way  to  reach  the  sea. 
When  Brownies  run  there  is  a  tear 
Across  the  ground,  one  can't  compare 
To  anything  that  moves  without 
The  aid  of  wings,  the  world  about ; 
The  gol)lin  element  subhme 
Is  well  detined  at  such  a  time, 


s'Ml 


THE  BROWNIES  SHOOT   THE   NET. 


!  \  I 


And  he  who  tries 

a  mate  to  find 
For  such  a  fay 

will  wreck  his  mind. 
Thus  running,  resting, 
chattering  still, 
They  passed  the  time 

away  until 
The  place  was  reached 

where  every  sprite 
Was  pledged  to  show 

his  mystic  might. 
They  stood  above 

the  town  of  Bray, 
That  nestled  by 

a  pleasant  bay, 
Where  tourists  often 

stop  to  rest 
And  see  old  Ireland 
at  its  best. 
And  as  tliey  paused  their  ready  eye 
Saw  nets  were  hanging  out  to  dry, — 
For  here  some 

fishermen  supplied 
The  market  of 

the  countryside, — 
And  sorely  tempted 

were  they  all 
To  shoot  the  net 

and  make  a  haul.      

18 


-  JVJifii^ 


^^^^^ 

^                     yy 

w 

fe  4  A   k    ^-^ 

5^     '5S'    fS>     ■^      '■   .■■ 

m 

1 

i^w 

7? 

I 


li  i 


THE  BROWNIES   SHOOT   THE  NET. 

In  fact,  so  strong  temptation  pressed, 
They  yielded,  as  might  well  be  guessed ; 


''i 


1  .  /    ,  s 


For  Brownies  are  like  mortals  still. 
In  reason  strong,  but  weak  of  will. 
Ere  long  a  boat  was  ready  made; 
In  many  a  fold  the  nets  were  laid. 
For  paying  out  as  round  they  veered 
In  circles  when  the  spot  was  neared 
Where  fish  were  likely  to  await 
The  morning  hour  in  drowsy  state. 
The  jiunping  salmon  signals  set 
When  it  was  time  to  shoot  the  net. 
A  fish  convention  seemed  to  be 
In  session  in  that  part  of  sea. 
For  those  that  seldom  meet  the  sight 
Of  fishermen  now  came  to  light. 
The  weight  within  soon  put  to  test 
The  net,  which  was  not  of  the  best, 

19 


If  lost  your  venture 
eat  your  cr"0>«J 

And  by  fbe  banquet 
uJiser  grou) 


*:i, 


I 


m 


n 


i 


** 


)l 


,%'^hy'M\ 


fl 


I 


THE  BROWNIES   SHOOT   THE   NET. 

And  some  got  partly  out,  while  more 

Escaped  to  see  a  foreign  shore. 

The  wondering  Brownies  from  the  boat 

Bent  down  the  dift'erent  fish  to  note ; 

Some  from  the  deepest  ocean  bed, 

And  more  that  in  the  breakers  fed. 

The  strange  collection  struggling  there 

In  narrow  quarters  made  them  stare. 

Said  one :  "  If  we  had  skill  to  draw 

The  secret  from  each  rascal's  jaw. 

If  they  could  wag  their  tongues  as  well 

As  they  can  wag  their  tails,  they  'd  tell 

Us  many  things  about  the  deep 

AVould  shame  imagination's  sweep ; 

They  'd  tell  of  ships  that  lie  below 

As  when  they  foundered  years  ago, 

The  masts  still  pointing  to  the  light 

From  which  they  plunged  that  awful  night, 

When  from  the  ocean  to  the  sky 

Went  up  the  last  despairing  cry. 

There  hermit-crabs  are  throned  in  state 

Where  sat  the  captain  and  the  mate ; 

The  sculpin,  shrimp,  and  meaner  fry 

In  lower  hold  and  locker  lie; 

While  slimy  things  leave  seaweed  screens 

To  breed  in  pots  and  soup-tin-eens." 

Another  said :  "  The  sea,  my  friend, 

Will  keep  the  secret  to  the  end ;     : 

So  x>i^dl  away  and  let  us  land 

The  heavy  catch  we  have  in  hand." 

20 


n\ 


THE   BROWNIES   SHOOT   THE   NET. 


I 


But  there  was  trouble 

brewing  hot 
Above  theii'  heads 

they  noticed  not, 
While  chatting  in  a 

friendly  flow 
About  the  wonders 

down  below. 


The  sight  of  fish  so  quickly  caught 
The  birds  from  every  quarter  brought, 
And  diving  round  to  get  their  share 
They  caused  no  small  commotion  there. 
Not  waiting  for  the  net  to  land, 
Nor  even  to  be  well  in  hand, 
They  fastened  on  the  struggling  prey 
While  in  the  tangling  mesh  they  lay, 

21 


i.^Jl 


;:'r  ■ 


m 


3? 
I 


■!i         1 


I 


.'  'li 


in 


i 


N 


I! 

i  if 

1>  (■ 


I     H 


THE  BROWNIES  SHOOT   THE  NET. 

And  dragged  it  up 

with  shriekings  loud 
As  if  to  hide  it 

in  a  cloud. 
A  stranger  sight 

than  th9+.,  I  ween, 
'Twixt  sky  and  water 

ne'er  was  seen 
By  those  who  have 

spent  all  their  days 
In  doubling  capes 
or  missing  stays. 
It  took  good  work 
to  check  the  raid 
The  starving  flock 
so  boldly  made. 
In  union  there  is 
strength,  no  doubt, 
For  tyrants  long  since  found  it  out; 
And  here  united  wings  perforce 
Did  wonders  in  their  upward  course. 
The  Brownies  are  not  those  that  yield 
Their  rights  to  everything  afield, 
So  still  they  fought,  till  yielding  strands 
Returned  once  more  to  eager  hands 
The  major  part  when  all  was  done; 
But  many  birds  their  breakfast  won. 
The  boats   were   promptly   turned  for 

shore 
With  mystic  strength  at  eveiy  oar. 

22 


» 


THE  BBOWFIES   SHOOT   THE   NET. 

Before  the  koel  had  touched  the  sand 
Some  anxious  workers  leaped  to  land, 
And  waist-deep  in  the  water  wrought 
Till  safe  on  shore  the  prize  was  brought. 
Then,  as  the  east  was  growing  red, 
The  Brownies  from  the  city  fled. 
But  hardly  was  the  treasure  beached 
Before  the  news  all  quarters  reached; 
To  Dublin  Bay,  to  high  Bray  Head, 
To  inland  towns  the  story  spread, 
For  people  told  each  one  they  met 
The  Brownie  Band  had  shot  the  net. 
And  made  a  haul  to  shame  the  most 
Successful  men  along  the  coast. 
Then  bags  and  baskets  soon  were  got, 
And  people  hastened  to  the  spot 
To  pick  them  freely  from  the  ground 
While  still  alive  and  flopping  round. 
Then  meat  was  stricken  from  the  card, 
And  fish-heads  grinned  in  every  yard. 
And  travelers  through  those  parts  declare 
The  scent  of  fish  was  in  the  air; 
For  fish  was  roasted,  boiled,  and  fried, 
At  morning,  noon,  and  eventide. 


Not  allcanspeaK 
fo  mov/e  tbelyeart, 

But  nil  should  do 
1tl«ir  lifHe  part. 


J.( 


;l'ii- 


;l'|; 


as 


i 


p: 


i.£^ 


^^^^^m 


THE  BROWNIES  AT 
FLODDEN  FIELD. 


golden  clouds  the  god  of  day- 
Had  wrapped  his  form  and  slipped  away, 
And  Luna,  queen  of  night,  unfurled 
Her' banner  o'er  a  slumbering  world, 
When  Brownies  lightly  took  their  way 
Till  Flodden  Field  before  them  lay. 
Old  Norham  Castle's  ruins  vast 
Upon  them  frowned  as  they  went  past; 
The  round  moon  threw  a  mellow  hght 
Upon  the  walls  that,  still  upright, 
Reveal  a  strength  that  w^ell  might  cause 
The  Brownies  in  their  run  to  pause. 
At  double-quick  they  gained  the  ridge. 
Across  the  Till,  by  Twizel  Bridge, 
They  formed  a  wide,  respectful  ring 
Around  the  stone  where  died  the  king. 
Said  one  :  "This  st(me  we  here  behold 
So  firmly  planted  in  the  mold, 

24 


fi 


THE   BROWNIEH   AT   FLODDEN   FIELD. 


i 


,  M 


With  rude  inscription  overspread, 
Marks  where  poor  Scotland  lost  her  head, 
While  from  the  fatal  field  of  gore 
Sonic  faithful  Scots  their  sovereign  bore." 
The  Brownies  rambled  round  a  space 
To  find  the  cross  of  stone  in  place 
That  marked  the        ^,,„_„^         spring  in  Flodden  vale 
According  to  the     /^  ^1    ^v      poets'  tale. 
The  stone  with  its     /<^»Bs>^K| \     inscinption  old 
Had  disappeared,  ^Vm^^\     1       ^^^  water  cold 

Still  trickled  down      \  >J>J    >  V/      ^^®  narrow  glade 

As  when  at  eve       \''-*~-^r"-'':'*>/      the  noble  maid 
Ran  with  the  casque  "  for  water  bright, 

In  answer  to  the  dying  knight. 

25 


;'Mi 

4..  « 


* 


1 


THE    BUOWNIEH   AT    PLODDEN    FIELD. 


1     * 


ir 


"  i^ 


The  bird  Miat  Sings 
upon  the  brier 

Is  often  mute 
behindHip  wire. 


The  Brownies  drank  from  tlmt  cool  rill 
While  talking?  of  the  battle  still, 
Home  scooping  water  in  the  uand 
With  proper  cart;  like  (Hdeon's  band, 
While  others,  lying  on  the  bank 
With  face  to  lipple,  quickly  drank. 
Said  one :  "  Who  seeks  a  better  drink 
Than  this,  my  friends,  should  pause  and 

think. 
For  many  a  man  to  ruin  went 
Because  with  water  not  (content  — 
That  honest  draft  that  will  not  pitch 
The  home-retuniing  in  the  ditch, 
Or  lead  his  feet  to  paths  of  sin 
To  shame  himself  and  all  his  kin." 
Said  one,  as  he  with  sparkling  eye 
Addressed    a    gi'oup    that    gathered 

nigh : 
''At  every  turn  from  Tweed  to  Till 
The  poet's  stanzas  haunt  you  still. 
With  such  a  graphic  pen  he  spread 
The  story  that  the  world  has  read. 
You  pick  out  for  yourself  the  place 
Where  Lady  Clare  with  pallid  face 
Looked  on  the  battle  in  dismay, 
Until  the  stubborn  ranks  gave  way. 
You  hear  not  birds  in  hedges  pipe. 
Nor  mark  the  grain  for  sickle  ripe, 
For  other  sight  and  sound,  I  ween. 
Will  for  the  moment  crowd  between. 

'20 


THE   UUOWNlfcS  AT   FLODDEN   FIELD. 


•^? 


Now  loud  and  wild, 

in  fancy's  ear, 
The  Border  slogan's 

tones  you  hear. 
And  battle-ciy,  while 

pennons  gay 
Are  wnving  in  the 

thickest  fray." 
Applying  nimble  hands 

and  knees, 
They  cUmbed  at  once  some 

neighboring  trees, 
To  view  the  field  from 

side  to  side 
Where  England  won  and 

Scotland  died, 
And  muse  upon  the 

fearful  rout 
That  woeful  day  saw 

carried  out. 
Said  one :  "  A  better  view 

we  're  bound 
To  have  from  here  than 

from  the  ground ; 
And  when  I  start  upon 

the  quest 
Of  something  good,  I  want 

the  best. 
Let  others  be  content  to  squat 
Upon  a  stone;  it  suits  me  not. 

27 


x7^  '"»'V  -•^'''   "-'v^/  - 


I 


\\ 


•J 


II 


"••^^^^mi^^^'mam^^^'wmm 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  FLODDEN   FIELD. 


And  if  there  is  the  slightest  cliance, 
I  '11  struggle  for  a  bird's-eye  glance." 
Anothr^r  said :  "  J  'm  with  you  there. 
Give  me  the  view  from  upper  air; 
To  sit  on  ciagL>  or  lofty  trees, 
See  nature  as  the  eagle  sees 
It  stretching  out  in  light  and  shade, 
With  shimmering  stream  and  somber  glade. 
Is  pleasure  that  you  '11  hardly  gain 
Through  open  door  or  window-pane." 


If  I 


ii 


I         * 


^'''•'^*^'     ■"-'■  >*/>Lrien  cox. 


The  Western  world  is  not  alone 

The  place  on  earth  where  trees  are  blown 

28 


i 


i;: 


II    » 


THE   BROWNIES  AT   FLODDEN   FIELD. 

Across  the  country,  branch  and  root, 
Till  whirling  to  the  clouds  they  shoot. 
Now,  while  the  Brownies  seemed  to  be 
From  every  hint  of  danger  free, 
Some  trouble  was  about  to  light 
And  mar  the  pleasure  of  the  night. 
A  stronger  wind  than  swiftly  broke 
Ne'er  wrestled  with  a  Border  oak. 
First  leaves  gave  out,  then  twigs  let  go. 
Then  roots  began  to  groan  below, 
Which  told  the  trial  was  too  keen 
For  them  to  longer  lie  unseen. 

The  earth  began  to  heave  around, 

The  tree-tops  nigher  stoop  to  ground. 

At  last  they  leaped  from  soil  and  sand 

Across  the  heath  with  half  the  band. 

The  creatures  that  had  made  their  nest 

Within  the  tree,  scared  with  the  rest, 

Deserted  beds  in  wild  despair. 

With  loss  of  feathers  and  of  hair. 

The  scene  was  wild,  and  wilder  still 
It  grew  as  they  whirled  o'er  the  hill 
And  took  direction  of  the  Tweed 
That  swept  around  a  sloping  mead. 
Through  every  mind  the  question  passed 
ilovv  long  the  fearful  gale  would  last. 
Would  it  continue  till  they  rolled 
A  struggUng  mass  in  water  coldf 
Or  would  it  haply  diii  av/ay 
While  yet  the  groui.d  beneath  them  lay? 


'A 


!;- 


::i.'  (i 


'i: 

■lU: 
) 

ii 


li 


1 


til! 


f 


\ 


THE  BROWNIES   AT   FLODDEN   FIELD. 


|! 


I  i 


I  « 


But  while  revolving  in  the  mind 
These  questions  of  a  vital  kind, 
The  onward  joui'uey  was  maintained 
Until  the  brink  indeed  was  gained. 
Upon  the  bank  a  few  were  thrown, 
And  more  the  river's  depth  were  show 


n; 


fcii 


COf. 


lit 


Some  swam  with  skill,  while  others  found 
Such  things  as  freshets  b.iug  around 
When  floods  o'ersprcad  the  cultured  lea 
And  dooryard  treasures  start  for  sea. 
Then,  like  the  beaten  host  of  yore 
That  sought  at  night  the  Scottish  shore. 
The  Brownies  quit  the  famous  land 
And  left  it  to  the  peasant's  hand. 


30 


HU 


i   •  \ 


r:. 


ItH 


THE  BROWNIES 

CUT^riNG   TURF. 


m  ] 


that  the  day  begins 
to  draw 

To  evening,  and  to 
nature's  law 

The  birds  and  beasts 
respectful  bend 
And  to  their  dens  or  perches  wend, 
The  Brovmies,  watchful  of  the  hour, 
Grow  eager  to  display  their  po^'er, 
And  with  impatience  ill  concealed 
Await  their  time  to  take  the  field. 
They  never  met  so  strong  of  hand 
As  when  the  lively  goblin  band 
Assembled  once  in  spirits  light 
At  cutting  turf  to  spend  the  night. 
Behind  them  dark  against  the  cloud 
A  castle  stood,  no  longer  proud 
Witli  banners  bright  and  towers  strong. 
And  inmates  filled  with  wine  and  song; 

81 


.1  !■    .8 

Hi- 


m.^ 


m 


m 


THE  BROWNIES  CUTTING   TURF. 


!' 


If  frown  you  must 
Rteuery  tasK, 

Iyi  mercy  wear 
«  smiling  mask. 


For  long  before  in  ruin's  name 

The  owl  and  bat  had  filed  their  claim. 

Said  one:  "How  fortunate  are  we 

Who  in  all  things  some  pleasure  see! 

Could  mortals  be  content  to  face 

Their  toil  and  sport  with  equal  grace, 

How  lightly  would  the  day  go  by 

To  thousands  who  now  fret  and  sigh! 

If  labor  by  some  happy  chance 

Could  to  the  pleasure-line  advance, 

How  fast  the  pegs  would  find  the  shoe, 

And  stit''bes  nm  through  garments  new! 

There  wo:         ^  music  in  the  plane 

To  shame  th    tenor's  sweetest  strain. 

And  peals  of  laughter  in  the  saw 

To  rival  childhood's  rich  guffaw, 

And  in  the  anvil's  clanging  knells, 

The  melody  of  Shandon  bells. 

Oh,  happy  is  the  mortal  wight 

If  in  his  labor  lies  delight ! 

He  readily  will  understand 

The  spirit  of  the  Brownie  band. 

The  task  we  have  to-night  in  mind 

Is  work  of  the  laborious  kind. 

But  who  could  pass  from  side  to  side 

Across  a  land  with  turf  supplied, 

And  not  be  quick  to  take  the  spade 

To  give  deserving  people  aidf 

What  member  of  the  band  has  not 

Heard  tales  about  potato-rot, 

32 


THE  BKOWNIES   CUTTING   TURF. 


And  routs,  nnd  taxes  overdue, 
Tlijit  to  the  poor  is  notliing  new? 
1  'ni  not  a  stranger  to  the  kind 
Of  work  tliat  here  to-night  we  find, 
And  can  some  liints  to  those  impart 
Who  are  not  practised  in  the  art. 
Full  many  a  fall  the  infant  knows 
Before  upon  its  feet  it  goes; 
80  many  a  set-back  one  must  feel 
Before  he  proves  his  strength  and  zeal. 
At  starting  in  we  're  somewhat  late, 
But  tliat  Antli  us  has  httle  weight; 

The  rat  that 's  last  to  cut 
the  sack 

May  l«'ave  the  mill  with 
greatest  pack. 


hin 


1 1,  f 


! 


\'H 


I 

ill. 


m 


'   H 


)|,1 


V»». '"^li'ir^^  cox 


^^s^fet** 


^^xVvMvvVKvfN^lxS;^^^^    A    --^ssi^^s.  -. 


33 


^HE  BROWNIES   CUTTING   TURF. 


1 


! 


*i 


fi 


il 


,  * 


So  those  who  late  in  life  begin 
May  be  the  first  to  honor  win." 
Then  work  in  earnest  was  the  cry, 
As  here  and  there  the  Brownies  spry 
Went  scattering  round  the  neighboring  knd 
To  gather  tools  for  work  in  hand. 
How  can  we  crowd  in  language  strong 
i^he  praise  that  to  the  sprites  belong  1? 
There  's  not  a  look  or  word  they  give 
But  should  in  printed  volumes  live; 
There  's  not  a  pose  they  strike  or  hold 
But  sculptors  might  with  profit  mold; 
And  not  a  hvely  race  they  start 
But  does  invite  the  painter's  art. 


Ere  long  they  brought  without  a  pause 
Such  things  as  would  advance  their  cause, 

34 


m 


THE  BROWNIES   CUTTING  TURF. 


And  each  his  mystic  power  revealed 
In  cutting  turf  around  the  field. 
Some,  eager  to  perform  their  share, 
Displayed  a  somewhat  reckless  air, 
But,  light  of  heart,  the  danger  by. 
The  lesson  one  would  thus  apply: 
"  The  trials  that  on  us  descend 
May  prove  but  blessings  in  the  end; 
The  fowl  that  roosts  on  highest  rail 
May  be  most  shaken  by  the  gale, 
But  she  '11  be  farthest  fi'om  the  fox 
Who  comes  to  get  his  Christmas  box ; 
Ho,  those  who  've  rolled  in  such  a  mire 
Will  not  be  first  to  catch  on  fire. 

In  fact,  't  is  danger  keeps  us  wise 

And  on  our  guard  against  suiprise. 

Without  it  we  might  careless  grow 

And  fall  a  prey  to  every  foe. 

The  one  who  never  felt  mishap 

WiU  be  the  first  fruit  of  the  trap. 

While  those  who  're  scored  and  scarified 

By  trials  will  move  open-eyed. 

The  cat  that  leaves  the  hearth  ablaze 

Will  shun  it  well  in  after  days; 

The  fish  that  felt  the  prick  of  hook 

Will  not  be  first  to  reach  the  cook; 

The  fox  that  once  lived  through  the  dose 

Will  alw^ays  scan  his  dinner  close; 

And  thus  we  learn  through  danger  still 

To  sharpen  wits  and  strengthen  will. 


'h 


m 


'■'.<. 


Ill 


35 


Ir' 


THE  BROWNIES   CUTTING   TURr. 


r 

i:'i  it  ' 


Yes,  through  our  faiUiigs  oft  we  spy- 
Just  where  we  need  to  fortify; 
No  better  school  can  nature  give 
To  teach  one  how  to  rightly  live, 
And  little  hope  we  entertain 
For  those  who  graduate  in  vain." 
A  dozen  donkeys  small  of  size, 
But  with  a  strength  to  wake  surprise, 
The  Brownies  into  service  pressed. 
And  gave  the  creatures  little  rest. 
Like  bees  when  summer  sends  a  thrill 
Through  every  sense,  and  every  hill 

3tt 


THE   BROWNIES   CUTTING   TUEF. 


m 


G«  rvervtndy 
To  dispnTcli 

All  buiin»sawh<n 
It  lifts  (tie  loVcl^ 


And  hollow  tell  how  prompt  wei'e  al) 

To  answer  to  the  welcome  call, 

With  outward  flight  and  inward  dive 

Each  open  blossom  is  alive; 

So  Brownies  to  their  labor  bent 

And  flew  around  with  one  intent, 

To  finish  ere  the  rising  sun 

The  task  in  hand,  and  then  to  ran 

And  hide  away,  so  none  could  tell 

Who  played  their  friendly  part  so  well. 

The  world  has  not  a  busier  crew 

From  Wounded  Knee  to  Tinibuctoo, 

Before  the  mast,  behind  the  show, 

Or  delving  in  the  mine  below. 

Than  are  the  Brownies  when  there  's  need 

To  carry  through  a  task  with  speed. 

But  when  the  sun  began  to  send 

His  arrows  o'er  the  eastern  .^nd 

Of  Erin,  and  from  bed  and  cot 

The  old  and  young  commenced  to  trot, 

The  Brownies  had  already  made 

A  journey  to  some  secret  shade; 

But  people  said:  "The  fact  is  clear, 

Last  night  the  Brownie  band  was  here.'' 


Ijij 


i'M 


'i  I 


87 


i 


!    I 


I 


:jU 


I 

r 


I; 


THE  BROWNIES  ON  THE 
THAMES. 


1 


one  by  one  in  order  due 
The  stars  began  to  come  in  view, — 
First  Venus  blushing  on  her  throne 
Adorned  the  azure  chart  alone; 
Next,  rising  in  the  sky  afar. 
Red-handed  Mars  blazed  o'er  his  car ; 
Then,  more  emboldened  at  the  sight. 
The  lesser  orbs  revealed  their  light, — 
Such  was  the  hour  when  Brownies  found 
A  chance  to  rest  and  look  around. 
The  race  was  long,  and  filled  with  fear. 
As  it  must  be  for  those  who  near 
Great  London,  with  its  overflow 
Of  multitudes  that  come  and  go. 
Those  who  would  move  about  unseen 
In  such  a  place  must  dodge,  I  ween. 
With  many  a  searching  look,  and  stop 
And  turn  aside  or  sudden  drop ; 
But  now  upon  a  bank  they  met, 
With  all  the  members  active  yet, 

38 


Srillidnlh  to  work 
Jind,  truth  to  U(l, 
In*  leech  uillhsu* 
toioalh  «»u)ell. 


THE   BKOWNIES   ON   THE   THAMEH 

And  free  t(>  ('any  out 

a  scheme 
That  liad  already  been 

tlieir  tlienie. 
Awhile  they  paused  to 

throw  an  eye 
Upon  the  stream  tljat 

hun'ied  by, 
So  dark  where  'neath 

a  biidge  it  passed. 
And  bright  where  on  its 

waves  were  cast 
The  silver  ravs  from 

Luna's  face, 
Who  now  commenced 

her  upward  race. 
Said  one:  "For  all  the 

laws  laid  down 
About  a  meeting  in 

the  town 
Without  a  permit  from  some  head, 
We  're  safely  here,  our  faces  spread 

Witli  smiles,  which  prove  no  shade  of  fear 

Can  darken  long  a  conscience  clear. 

This  river  wide  which  checks  our  pace 

Has  been  the  scene  of  many  a  race, 

Where  college  crews  their  muscles  strained 

To  prove  who  most  was  skilled  or  trained. 

Now  we,  who  also  sport  can  take 

Upon  a  stream  or  glassy  lake, 

39 


ill 


ill 


III 

'i  I 


I 


iH 


:i, 


I 


M 


I 


V 

i 


i  >' 


I  ■ 

H 


THE  UROWNIKH  ON  THK  THAMKS. 

Will  not  1)0  slow  in  gcttini;-  ont 
A  tk>«'t  of  boats  kept  horcabont, 
Of  cvci'v  slm[)('  and  ovoiy  lonutb, 
To  try  our  skill  as  well  as  stronuth ; 
And  up  to  Putnt'V  bridge  ^vo  '11  no. 
To  Haunnersniitb,  if  tinio  is  so 
That  we  can  niako  the  homeward  nui 
And  leave  the  boats  ere  night  is  done." 


The  Brownies  soon  make  up  their  mind 
On  questions  of  this  stirring  kind. 

The  ])oats  were  found  of  every  size 

That  such  a  eity  front  supplies, 

Some  wide  enough  to  comfoi't  give 

To  those  who  hoped  for  y(»ars  to  live. 

And  others  of  sueli  naiTOw  beam 

It  soemed  like  sitting  in  the  stream; 

But  evrrv  meml)er  of  the  band 

On  something  i)ushed  away  from  land, 

An<l,  though  it  took  a  harder  stroke 

To  keep  abreast  of  other  folk, 

The  sprites  to  rudest  crafts  assigned 

Were  not  content  to  stay  behind. 

But  splashed  along  and  showed  such  speed, 

At  times  they  even  took  the  lead. 

The  start  was  bad,  and  some  got  wet 

At  once,  almost,  through  an  upset, 

Because  too  many  set  their  heart 

U])on  a  certain  place  or  part, 

And  quite  forgot  the  balance  rule 

40 


i 


TUi:  iMU)\VNii:s  on  thk  jiiamkh. 


That  's  tau<;lit  in  every  boatmun's  sclioo] ; 
While  others  throiijjh  the  current  here 
^Ver('  carried  straight  against  a  pier 
Before  the  oars  were  well  in  hand, 
And  then  contusion  took  command; 
Then  some  fell  out,  and  some  fell  in, 
For  water  still  its  share  will  win 
Of  those  who  play  along  the  shore, 
Or,  gi'owing  bolder,  tempt  it  more. 
Then  Brownie-land  had  seen,  no  doubt. 
Of  brightest  lives  a  thinning  out. 

Had  not  some  members  rendered  aid 
To  friends,  and  their  departure  stayed. 
But  Brownies  soon  forget  a  scare, 
And  for  a  wetting  little  care, 
So  boats  ere  long  with  every  crew 
In  place  were  pushing  on  anew. 

41 


ill 


:li 


II 


M 


k'>: 


< 


THE  BROWNIES  ON  THE  THAMES. 

To  see  tlie  Brownies  on  the  land 
Engaged  in  enterprises  grand 
Must  still  give  pleasure  and  impart 
Delight  to  every  cheerful  heart; 
But  brig! iter  does  tlie  picture  show 
When  out  upon  the  waves  they  go, 


Where  chilling  dangers  that  attend 
The  expedition  have  no  end. 
Sometimes  upon  a  seat  they  'd  crowd, 
With  little  space  for  each  allowed, 
And  tliose  upon  the  outer  side 
Were  ill  at  ease  throughout  the  ride. 


42 


ra 


THE  BROWNIES   ON   THE   THAMES. 


But  let  no  reader  be  misled, 
Nor  think  a  sad  mishap  or  dread 
Of  future  trouble  can  destroy 
Beyond  repair  the  Bt  cwnies'  joy. 
Said  one:  "We  meet  distress,  't  is  true, 
And  some  have  more  than  they  can  do 
A  seal  upon  the  boat  to  hold; 
But  still,  when  all  is  done  and  told, 
The  exercise  and  hours  of  fun 
Outweigh  our  troubles  ten  to  one. 
And  who  would  waiit  to  leave  the  race 
Upc^Ti  the  shore  to  take  his  place, 

And  stare  with  dull,  lack-luster  eye 

Upon  his  comrades  sweeping  by? 

N<>;  rather  let  us  stick  and  cling. 

And  hold  to  life  by  merest  string, 

Than  have  a  single  active  sprite 

Avoid  the  trials  of  the  night." 

At  times  the  race  was  close  and  fine. 

With  bows  across  in  even  line, 

And  then  collisions,  brought  about 
Through  some  mistaken  word,  no  doubt. 
Would  bring  a  halt  to  three  or  four 
And  change  the  course  of  many  more. 
Then  blame  on  others  would  be  laid 
With  much  ado,  and  charges  made; 
For  Brownies  in  this  way,  we  find, 
Are  not  unlike  the  human  kind. 
But  quiet  soon  would  settle  down, 
And  niddy  faces  lose  the  frown ; 


y.  ! 


1 


fli 


43 


'.I 


THE   BRCWNIES  ON  THE  THAMES. 


is 


f 

,3 

I- 


! 


For  no  hard  feelings  long  can  hide 
The  smile  which  is  a  Brownie's  pride. 
The  turning-point  at  length  was  made, 
But  not  a  moment  there  they  stayed; 
All  rounding  to  the  city  sped, 
Still  straining  for  the  place  ahead. 
New  trouble  rose  while  homeward  bound. 
When  boats  a  strange  position  found. 

44 


1 


If  uirTuee  only 
were  your  lonct 

You'd  travel  liglifly 
onyour  roadl- 


THE  BROWNIES   ON   THE  THAI^IES. 

Some,  lifted  by  a  driving  scow, 
Were  borne  for  rods  upon  the  bow, 
With  all  the  oarsmen  seated  right, 
But  much  disturbed  in  such  a  plight. 
Tjoe  sun  already  gave  a  hint 
Of  coming  glory  in  the  tint 
That  crept  along  the  eastern  sky, 
As  Scotland  Yard  they  paddled  by. 

They  saw  policemen  watching  out 

For  river  thieves  that  prowl  about 

To  plunder  boats  and  barges  round 

While  honest  folk  are  sleeping  sound; 

And  well  they  knew  it  was  no  place 

For  them  to  pause  or  end  their  race, 

So  down  the  stream  they  lield  their  way, 

Until  the  wharf  before  them  lay 

From  which  they  made  the  early  start. 
And  then  each  Brownie  did  his  part 
In  making  headway  for  the  land 
With  all  the  speed  he  could  command. 
To  lertvo  the  pier,  and  homeward  fare 
To  suh    retreat,  was  next  their  '-are; 
And  through   Mieir  mystic  naiure  strange 
They  soon  were  out  of  mortal  range. 


^    Yn^^iffTfrtrtf. 


V\ 


-   J 


% 


i   'A 


-     W' 


46 


I; 


^'''■'^l/t  CO*. . 


I 


ti 


I)   i  ' 


I   I 


It  i. 


THE  BROWNIES 

AT  WATERLOO. 

HE  creeping  gloom  of  night  had  won 
The  town  abandoned  by  the  sun. 
In  quiet  homes  the  key  was  :m*ned; 
The  evening  fire  to  ashes  burned; 
The  clock  was  wound,  the  Book  was  read, 
The  world  was  narrowed  to  a  bed ; 
When  out  in  all  their  mystic  might 
The  Brownies  came  with  faces  bi'ight. 
Now  full  before  the  eager  band 
Stood  Brussels,  with  its  palace  grand, 
Its  stately  halls  and  temples  fine, 
And  gardens  rich  witli  tree  and  vine. 
Around  a  shaft  that  towered  white. 
Which  marked  the  city's  central  site. 
The  Brownies  stood  with  wondering  eyes, 
Commenting  on  its  grace  and  size. 
Said  one:  "No  doubt  this  pile  so  great 
Was  fashioned  to  commemorate 
The  victory  that  brought  renown 
To  Wellington,  and  saved  the  town. 

46 


< 


IB! 


^m 


THE   BROWNIES  AT   Wa-EBLOO. 


'T  was  fit  that  all  should 

thanks  bestow 
On  those  who  held  aloof 

the  foe." 
The  Brownies'  spirit  soon 

was  shown; 
For,  closing  round,  not 

one  alone, 
But  half  the  land,  with 

one  intent 
Began  to  climb  the 

monument. 
Now,  chnging  with 

a  mystic  gift 
Of  strength  to  every  ridge 

or  rift, 
They  round  and  round  the 

column  strained 
Until  the  top  at  length 

was  gained. 
This  led  to  talk  of 

Waterloo, 
And  so  their  interest 

wider  grew, 
Until  a  visit  to 

the  field 
Was  all  that  would 

enjoyment  yield 


I. 


As  through  the  wood  that  stood  between 
The  city  and  the  famous  scene 

47 


•*/ 


!i){ 


M 


I 
i 

t 
( 


I, 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   WATERLOO 


•  ^ 


a;i 


ii"; 


^1 


When  you  wont 
blood  sti*cl 
Send  brajemcn 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   WATERLOO. 

"  At  last,"  said  one,  "it  is  our  lot 
To  ^aze  iTX>on  this  famous  spot ; 
And  this  the  thought  that  comes  to  all 
Who  journey  here  :  the  held,  how  small ! 
Two  miles  by  one  would  fully  bound 
On  every  side  the  battle-ground. 
But  every  inch  of  this  green  space 
Saw  foemen  struggling  face  to  face, 


.  ';.* ! 


While  shook  the  earth  beneath  the  tread 
Of  charging  hosts  or  falling  dead." 
Around  the  plain  the  Brownies  went, 
On  seeing  every  point  intent. 
They  picked  up  bones  that  still  could  show 
The  ball  that  laid  the  soldier  low. 
And  w^ere  not  slack  a  skull  to  spy 
That  missed  the  relic-hunter's  eye, 
Though  generations  three  or  four 
In  turn  had  searched  those  acres  o'er 
To  find  a  bonis  a  ball,  or  blade 
Which  in  the  strife  a  part  had  played. 

40 


^i;^^^ 


J 


■-■-  k 


m 


m 
I 


( 1 


'■%' 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   WATERLOO 


M  (I 

i 


I  ' 


But  who  can  hope  to  have  a  sight 
Accorded  to  a  Brownie  bright, 
Or  note  so  well  the  things  that  lie 
Around  them  as  they  joui-ney  by? 
That  eye  for  mystic  service  planned 
Has  rays  we  may  not  understand 
Nor  hope  to  im-  itate,  howe'er 

Into  the  world      ^E,      around  we  stare. 


'^  -v^^^  i^'^fc 


Vi 


Said  one  :  "  My  friends,  this  eai-then  mound 
From  which  we  view  the  field  around 
Was  raised  to  mark,  as  I  opine, 
The  center  of  the  English  line, 
Which  either  side  was  stretched  away 
A  mile  or  so  in  bright  aiTay. 

so 


1 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  WATERLOO. 


Mark  Hougemont  upon  the  riglit, 
Where  all  day  raged  tlie  fiercest  fight. 
The  Frenchmari  said :  '  That  acre  place 
Could  I  but  hold  for  one  short  space, 
In  spite  of  British  lead  and  lance, 
2^^*^^5A  jt  would  give  all  the  world  to  France.' 

And  La  Haye  Sainte  an  equal  shot 

Upon  the  left  m^rl's  well  the  spot 

Where  stood  the  left  wing  like  a  rock 

To  bide  unmoved  the  battle  shock ; 

While  on  the  ridge  a  mile  at  most 

In  front  was  ranged  Napoleon's  host." 

The  famous  field  they  moved  around 

Till  every  vantage-point  was  found. 

"  'T  was  here  Napoleon  sat  like  stone," 

Said  one,  "unmoved  by  shriek  or  groan. 

And  watched  his  troopers  melt  away 

Around  the  squares  the  livelong  day. 

And  saw  his  squadrons  sink  from  sight, 

Still  rank  on  rank,  in  ghastly  phght, 

When  like  a  hving  stream  they  flowed 

To  burial  in  the  sunken  road." 

The  large  museum  near  at  hand 
Had  much  to  interest  the  band : 
Old  weapons  long  since  out  of  date ; 
The  crooked  sword  and  pistol  great ; 
The  flint-lock  musket,  rusted  through; 
The  bayonet  twisted  like  a  screw ; 
With  coats  and  hats  of  wondrous  spread 
As  ever  graced  a  soldier's  head, 

51 


ill 


M 


!," 


a] 


THE   BROWNIES   AT    WATERLOO. 


^1 


Ih. 


m 


Ler  no  grief. 

Weigl)  too  long 


And  caps  worn  by  the  grenadiers 

Tliat  towered  high  above  their  ears, 

And  spurs  that  from  the  boots  were  torn 

While  in  the  tide  of  battle  borne. 

All  these,  with  buckle,  belt,  and  braid, 

An  interesting  study  made. 

To  dress  themselves  without  delay 

In  such  strange  garb  as  round  them  lay 

Was  now  the  thought  that  came  to  all, 

And  there  within  that  silent  hall 

The  band  soon  rei3resented  well 

The  hosts  that  in  the  struggle  fell. 

The  Brownies  soon  took  from  the  nail 

The  Frenchmen's  battered  coats  of  mail. 

xVnd  hats  with  plumes  that  still  revealed 

The  blood  they  caiTied  from  the  field, 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  WATERLOO. 


!l: 


And  into  coats  and  boots  and  all 
The  outfit  soon  commenced  to  crawl. 
Some  slipped  a  cuirass  on  with  ease 
That  hid  the  rascals  to  the  knees; 
And  more  in  coats  of  blue  and  white, 
With  hairy  caps  and  cockades  bright, 
Soon  called  to  mind  the  guard  so  true 
Who  died,  but  no  suiTender  knew  ; 
While  clothes  in  which  the  British  fought 
And  troops  that  Bliicher  timely  brought 
Were  seen  to  move  about  as  when 
The  field  was  filled  with  fighting  men. 
Now  from  the  hooks  and  pegs  about 
The  saddles  and  the  bridles  stout 
Were  taken  down,  and  firm  and  fast 
To  horses  were  attached  at  last; 
Then,  mounting,  some  rode  left  and  right, 
Like  leaders  in  the  doubtful  fight; 
Some  shouldered  muskets ;  others  drew 
A  lengthy  saber ;  and  a  few 
Took  pistols  that  you  may  depend 
Were  dangerous  at  either  end. 
They  formed  in  squares  across  the  field, 
They  charged  amain,  or  quickly  wheeled 
In  illustration  of  the  fray 
That  marked  the  spot  that  fearful  day, 
But  while  their  fun  was  at  its  height 
A  thunder-storm  disturbed  the  night. 
And  frightened  horses,  old  enough 
To  have  more  sense  in  weather  rough. 

53 


H^l 


i  i 


[;: !. 


'I 


THE  BROWNIEH  AT  WATKRLOO. 


il 


U 

If 


11 


IT! 


^ALMBRCOi- 


With  crash  on  crash,  and  blinding  flame, 
No  head  was  safe,  no  steed  was  tame ; 


64 


(i  I 


Mn 


THE   BROWNIEH   AT    VVATDKLOO. 

HtiHsiir,  dragoon,  und  cuimMHicr, 

Artill(^rynmii  and  carhincer, 

Were  into  wild  confuHion  cast 

Tliat  lasted  till  the  storm  had  passed. 

Some  (3harj^ors,  none  too  sure  at  best 

Upon  theii  feet,  gave  little  rest 

To  those  whose  fortune  was  tlie  back 
(^f  such  a  stumbling,  crazy  hack. 
Across  the  slop<',  where  dashed  the  Cfrays 
And  heavy  troopers  to  amaze 
Napoleon  and  his  legions  true, 
A  medley  wild  the  Brownies  flew, 
And  well  it  was  that  years  ago 
The  famous  road  was  leveled  low 
That  was  to  Frenchmen  such  a  snare, 
Or  many  would  have  perished  there; 
But,  freely  using  mystic  power. 
They  vanished  at  the  morning  hoiu'. 


it; 


\':>  1 


i 


i'.'t 


66 


li 


n 


T 


Its 

W 


« 


>J 


THE    BROWNIES    ON    THE 
STAGE. 


FREE    LIST 

POSITIVELY 
SUSP 


(For  One  Night  Only.) 


WEEK  before  the  iime 

of  Lent, 
When  people  freely 
money  spent 
To  witness  favorites  on  the  stage 
Whose  powers  seemed  to  grow  with  age, 
Till  liouses,  crowded  to  the  roof, 
Displayed  the  "  S.  R.  O."  as  i)roof, 
The  Brownies,  through  a  ho])py  chance. 
Of  such  a  place  obtaimMl  a  glaiMC  — 
Not  outward  only,  as  you  miglit 
Suppose,  but  got   an  inward  sight 
Of  all  the  doings  nnu  the  traps. 
The  feathered  hats  and  slunvy  wraps, 
The  weapons,  and  the  banners 

bright, 
Through  which  performers 
gave  deUght. 

66 


1 


k  ^ 

Ik. 

m 

k 

^ 

L 

fp^ 

^ 

^ 

1 

n 

ll 

i 

4 

l' 

THE   BROWNIEH   ON   THE  STAGE 

This  was  enouj^h  to  quickly  start 
A  wish  to  burn  in  every  heart 
That  they  upon  those  boards  might  play 
Their  parts  when  folk  had  gone  away. 
How  quiet,  then,  the  Brownies  kept 
Until  the  people  homeward  stepped! 
Concealed  in  places  which,  I  ween, 
Would  scarce  the  smallest  mortal  screen. 
They  passed  the  time,  still  peeping  out 
And  taking  notes  of  all  about : 
How  actors  strode,  and  hemmed  and  hawed ; 
How  weakei  souls  were  overawed, 
And  mealed  till  the  tears,  well  feigned, 
Up^ii  the  stage  in  torrents  rained. 
Said  oi.e :  "  We  won't  have  far  to  go 
To  dress  ourselves;  in  rooms  below 
Are  willow  baskets  that  can  be 
Attended  to  without  a  key. 
Indeed,  I  scarce  can  calmly  rest 
Till  rogues  are  foiled,  and  virtue  blessed." 
At  length,  when  people  crowded  out, 
Discussing  many  points  about 
The  great  performance,  and  the  ease 
With  which  a  gifted  few  can  please, 
The  Brownies,  almost  in  the  shade 
Of  those  who  all  the  parts  had  played, 
Came  swarming  in  to  overhaul 
The  willow  l)askets,  trunks,  and  all. 
Said  one:  "  We  '11    tind  convenient  laid 
All  kinds  of  costumes  nicely  made: 

57 


8«  u)ise  and««tmly 
uroe  your 

L(l  mnniao 
ou.t  rosrrbe 
sea. 


1; 


!i 


'    !| 


i  'A  ■ 

■  3. 


'>'     !l 


^ 


i     I 

if 


' 


IS 


I 


\ 


i : 


IIS 


THE   BR0WNIE8  ON   THE  STAGE. 

The  old  man's  wig  and 

shining  pato ; 
The  wairior's  suit  of  mail 

and  plate; 
The  robes  complete  to  make 

a  king, 
A  queen,  a  prelate,  or 

a  thing 
Thej'  «'all  a  demon,  red 

as  tire, 
With  horns  and  tail  would  suit 

a  liar. 
From  our  position  I  could  spy 
The  way  the  make-up  to  apply ; 
The  rouge  on  cheeks,  the  penciled  brow. 
The  cheiTy  lips,  and  powdered  pow 
Are  things  that  meet  one  at  the  start 
Who  tries  the  histrionic  art. 
They  change  to  age  the  youthful  face, 
And  to  the  wrinkled  hnid  a  grace 
Befitting  people  in  their  teens, 
Till  one  must  live  behind  the  scenes 
To  rightly  understand  tlu^  care 
That  's  given  to  deception  there. 
To  be  painstaking  in  your  cause 
Has  much  to  do  witli  the  applause." 
Why  should  the  reader's  mind  still  bear 
On  keys  or  other  ironware, 
Wlien  known  it  is  that  Bi'ownies  wield 

A  power  to  which  all  locks  must  yield  ? 

r.rt 


}f 


THE  BROWNIES  ON  THE  STAGE. 

When  these  wee  folk  in  strength  descend, 
Th(^  l)olts  fly  back,  the  hinges  bend, 
And  thus  no  long  delay  e'er  tries 
Their  temper,  which  unruffled  lies. 
Soon  plans  of  action  were  outlined, 
And  parts  to  every  one  assigned. 
Some  little  discontent  was  shown 
When  costumes  for  the  clown  were  thrown 
To  one  who  thought  he  best  could  shine 
If  acting  ns  a  learned  divine 
Or  prelate  who  could  brave  a  king 
And  on  his  head  the  curses  fling. 


''K  D  I  ES    DRESSING  R  OOM  S 


Said  one :  "  No  play  conceived  by  men, 
Or  patclied  up  by  adapter's  pen. 


n 


)  1 


}V 


It 


1    ■ 


h. 


50 


■il 


THE   BROWNIES   ON   THE   STAGE. 


it: 


!f: 


I 


11 


r   :    ■ 

HI 

i    i 


I 

lit 

,1 
\'t, 

liJ! 


/I  Ifhough  your  u)ord» 
may  ujelconie  bft 

MaMe  uac  of  only 
one  in  three 


f\\ 


Has  got  a  cast  that  gives  a  sprit*; 

A  chance  to  show  his  talents  right. 

Then  let  us  take  from  differen^j  plays 

The  parts  wherein  we  11  niei-it  praise, 

And  wedge  the  logic,  love,  or  wit 

In  places  where  it  seems  to  fit. 

Let  those  who  're  feminine  in  way 

The  role  of  wife  or  maid  essay; 

Those  who  can  shed  the  tear  at  will 

And,  seeming  conquered,  conquer  still; 

While  those  who  vint  to  rule  the  rest, 

Betray  the  strong,  the  weak  molest. 

And  ten-orize  botli  young  and  old, 

Can  play  the  king  or  robber  bold." 

Then,  without  any  written  rules 

Or  lesson  from  the  acting  schools, 

They  mingled  freely  on  the  stage 

As  characters  from  every  age. 

'T  was  strange  to  see  old  Egypt's  (jueen, 
Macbeth,  and  Trilby  in  one  scene. 
But  what  cared  they  for  day  or  date, 
Ov  mixing  early  scenes  with  late? 
T  was  hue  to  stalk  like  Bancjuo's  ghost; 
Like  bulky  Falstaff  drink  and  boast; 
liike  Hamlet  leap  into  the  grave  ; 
Like  black  Othello  foam  and  rave; 
As  Percy  fight;  as  Bichard  cry, 
"My  kingdom  for  a  horse!"  and  die. 
The  make-u))  was  ap})lied  so  well 
Not  one  his  dearest  friend  could  tell. 

GO 


THE   liKOWNIES   ON   THE   STAGE. 

As  fjfreatcst  actors  soinetimes  ra^'e, 
And  ill  a  frenzy  clear  the  stagi', 


1'^ 


4t. 


i^^ 


-',' 


i  i 


Lose  all  control,  and  fill  with  fear 
The  poor  support  that  trembles  near, 
Some  played  then*  part  so  true  to  life 
They  lost  their  senses  in  the  strife, 

61 


THE  BROWNIES  ON  THE  STAGE. 


I   , 


H 


I 


And  three  times  round  the  pit  below 
With  desperate  strokes  pursued  tlie  foe. 
The  Brownies  did  not  long  confine 
Their  acting  to  one  certain  line, 
But  turned  from  tragic  scenes  that  brought 
The  rolling  eye  and  bloody  thought, 
In  milder-mannered  parts 

to  please. 
And  played  the  lover 

on  his  knees. 
How  strange  it  was 

a  spark  should  fly 
From  some  one's  chimney 

smoking  nigh, 
And  while  their  fun 
was  at  its  best, 
Lodge  in  a  tiny 

spari'ow's  nest, 
And  start  a  blaze  to  spring  and  spread 
Till  half  the  town  wjts  out  of  b<^d! 

Although  well-nigh  a  block  away, 
'T  was  near  enough  to  spoil  the  play. 
Because,  perchance,  the  men  would  haul 
Th-^   'jose  through  dressing-room  and  all, 
^     And  bring  distress  upon  the  band 
If  they  were  hiding  near  at  hand. 
Then  into  wicker  basket  flew 
The  gabardine  of  grasping  Jew, 
The  royal  robes,  tlie  cap  of  clown. 
The  soldier's  coat,  and  prelate's  gown 

62 


\:.  \i 


THE   BROWNIES   ON   THE   STAGE. 


It  does  not  take  a  Brownie  long 

To  cliange  liis  clothing,  right  or  wrong. 


^^^m;. 


II 


03 


THE  BROWNIES  ON  THE  STAGE. 


And  for  the  air  to  make  a  break, 
With  liberty  and  life  at  stake. 
Up  went  the  windows,  weights  or  not ; 
Out  went  the  glass,  now  growing  hot ; 
And  from  the  building  king  and  thief. 
The  bishop,  queen,  and  robber  chief, 
The  lover,  maid,  and  serving-man 
In  wild  confusion  broke  and  ran ; 
Some  by  the  windows  and  the  door, 
Some  by  the  waterspout,  and  more 
Through  skylights  gained  the  roof  and  fled, 
With  flames  behind  them  flashing  red. 
In  chimneys  some  were  forced  to  hide. 
While  signs  for  others  did  provide 
A  screen  until  a  time  came  round 
When  they  could  safely  reach  the  ground. 


6« 


-ivK-'."-  ' 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  THE 
LAKES  OF  KILLARNEY. 

HE  sun  had  left  the  west  in  pink, 
And  stars  began  to  pass  the  wink ; 
Old  Neptune  turned  a  watery  eye 
On  lovely  Venus  bathing  nigh; 
Then  all  the  lesser  lights  grew  red, 
Till  heaven  seemed  one  carnation-bed; 
And  with  the  change  the  Brownie  band 
Began  to  stir  for  sport  in  hand. 
Said  one :  "  My  friends,  we  're  early  met. 
Which  proves  us  keen  for  action  yet; 
Killarney's  lakes,  from  end  to  end, 
To-night  in  boats  we  must  descend; 
But  first  we  have  to  gain  the  height 
That  overlooks  their  waters  bright; 
We  '11  have  to  take  the  mountain  road. 
Where  wheels  turn  not  beneath  a  load; 
And  those  who  would  to  heights  proceed 
Must  either  walk  or  mount  the  steed." 
The  Serpent  Lake  they  clambered  past, 
And  glances  o'er  its  surface  cast. 

66 


t 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   THE   LAKES   OF    KILIiARNE^. 


I 

I- 
I 


;i 


Said  one:  "We  well  mi^ht  pnuse  and  stare 
Fpon  tlie  darksome  water  there ; 
For  liere  before  St.  Patrick's  rod 
Tlie  last  snake  slid  from  Ei'iii's  sod. 

Belated  peasants  pass 

the  pla('e 
With  fui*tive  looks  and 

([uickened  paee, 
And  bless  the  saint  lont^ 

since  at  rest 
Who  rid  the  counti*\'  of 

the  pest. 
Well  may  they  tell  their 

beads  in  prayer, 
And  climb  in  haste  the 

rocky  stair, 

lor,  rmnor  tells  us, 

once  a  year. 


y 


When  mists  lie  low  across  the  mere. 
When  svmlight  dies  upon  the  peaks 
That  form  MacGillicuddy's  Reeks, 
And  neither  shout  nor  horn  of  guide 
Is  heard  upon  the  mountain-side. 
Up  from  the  depths  will  slowly  rise 
A  serpent's  head  of  monster  size, 
That  turns  a  keen,  inquiring  eye 
Upon  the  shore  and  pathway  nigh ; 
Tlien  with  a  hiss  to  lift  the  hair. 
And  splash  that  sends  the  spray  in  air, 
It  pops  below  the  wave  again, 

66 


.-i'Ai^^^'    tiig^ltd^ 


THE   BKOVVNIES   AT   THE   LAKES   OF   KILLARi  EY. 


As  if  with  more  tlian  inortHl  ken 
It  saw  St.  Patrick's  erozicr  bright 


Still  wami.'ig  it  to  keep  from  sight.'* 


With  bugle-horns  some 
blew  and  bent; 


^ 


^^ 


They  wakened  echoes 
as  they  went: 
And  wild  goats  on  the  mountain 

near 
Will  not  forget  that  night 

of  fear. 
When  o'er  the  rocky  steep  they 

passed 
Before  the  Brownies'  bugle- 
blast. 
They  boated  o'er  the  charming 

lakes 
And  the  connecting  streams, 

where  breaks 
Upon  one's  sight  a  picture  fair  — 
The  meeting  of  the  waters  there. 
Across  their  boats,  as  down 

they  flew, 
The  old  weir  bridge  its  shadow 

threw. 

87 


i) 


!!■ 


THE  miOWNIES   AT  THE   LAKEH  OF   KILLARNEY. 

Said  oiK%  aa  ho  the  structure  scanned : 
"How  well  this  ancient  })ridge  was  planned  I 
The  oldest  on  the  isle,  't  is  said, 
For  Danish  hands  the  mortar  s])read. 

And  sprung  the  arch 
so  strong  and  true 
That  looks  to-night 
as  good  as  new." 
Next  islands  green  their 

gaze  would  hold, 
And  ruined  walls  of 

castles  old, 
That  took  the  mind  back 
to  the  day 
When  brave  Boi-u  held  regal  sway, 
Or  when  MacCarthy,  Munster's  king. 
Did  o'er  the  quarter  scepter  swing. 

Where  ivy-gro\^^l  Ross  Castle  stands, 
Or  what  escaped  the  battering  bands 
That  brought  to  dust  the  towers  and  halls 
When  Cromwell  stood  before  its  walls, 
The  Brownies  paused  to  moralize 
And  gaze  around  with  wondering  eyes. 
The  natural  inclination  strong 
Soon  took  possession  of  the  throng. 
And  up  the  broken  walls  they  went. 
On  viewing  all  the  place  intent. 
But  mortar  cannot  always  last, 
Nor  serve  to  hold  the  granite  fast ; 

68 


Art  you  careful 
of  yoixr  paH  1 

Nont  ui'll  guarctd 
lilie  youraelf. 


\ 


THE   BROWNIES   AT  THE   LAKES  OP   KILLAUNEY. 


And  ill  their  eagerness  to  scan 

Eacli  crumbling  tower  and  barbican 

They  ran  some  risk,  as  may  be  guessed, 

And  paid  the  penalty  assessed. 

The  bog  below  convenient  lay, 

And  bones,  no  doubt,  are  whole  to-day 

That  would  have  been  to  sei-viee  dead 

If  they  had  found  a  harder  bed. 

*T  was  strange  that  water  known  so  weli 

For  glassy  surface,  void  of  swell, 

69 


I;  ' 


M 


II 


THE  BROWNIES   AT   THi^  LAKES  OF   KILLARNEX. 


ill 


i 


Should  chance  to  cut  up  shines  that  uight, 
And  graft  distress  upon  delight. 


i-Mcucox 


Acioss  the  lake  of  larj^^st  spread 
A  strong,  disturbing  curi'ent  sped ; 
And  for  a  time  the  ooan  wide 
No  wildor  scene  could  have  supplied. 
For  wavbs  were  pitched' into  the  boats 
That  stopped  the  bugler's  merry  notes 

70 


A 


3 


THE   BROWNIES  AT   THE   LAKES   OF    KILLARNEY. 

Ami  drenched  the  oarsmen  to  tlie  skin 
Ere  they  a  sheltering  point  could  win. 
Where  roofless  Muckross  Abbey  peeps 
Through  ancient  yews,  and  guard  still  keeps 
O'er  crumbling  tombs,  moss-grown  and  gray, 
Whose  names  time's  hand  has  brushed  away, 
The  Brownies  next  came  to  a  halt 
To  view  with   care  each  room  and  vault. 
With  caution  here  they  moved  aroimd. 
Their  ears  were  quick  to  catch  a  sound, 
And  noises,  howsoever  small, 
boon  checked  the  forward  step  of  all. 
From  first  to  last  along  the  line, 
Alarm  in  every  eye  would  shine, 
And  every  lifted  foot  w<^nild  pause 
Until  they  understood  the  cause. 


Among  old  tombs  is  not  the  most 
Unlikely  place  to  meet  a  ghost, 
And  even  though  a  thousand  years 
Had  passed  away  with  hopes  and  fears 
Hince  these  good  soids  were  laid  at  rest 
With  bell  and  burial  of  the  best, 

n 


I 


nil 


t'  I 


THE  BROWNIES  AT   THE  LAKES  OF   KILIiARNEY. 

The  Brownie  lads  were  well  aware 

Their  spooks  might  still  be  wandering  tnere 

But  they  grew  brave  and  firm  of  pace 

When  more  famiUar  with  the  place. 

Said  one :  "  'T  is  sweet  to  view  a  mead 

Made  famous  through  some  gloiious  deed, 


And  sweet  to  muse  where  pious  men 

Pn 'Served  the  fnith,  when  like  a  den 

Of  Hoiif  roared  the  factions  strong 

Who  rai^ked  th<^  country,  riglit  or  wrong." 

As  tourists  oft  api)ropriate 

Hoiin'  bits  of  mortar,  stone,  or  slate, 

As  rude  memorials  to  r«'tait) 

In  other  lands  })eyond  the  main. 

Bo  Brownies  were  not  slow  to  beat* 

Away  some  fragments  gath(^i'e<l  tiiere. 

Some  piiUed  the  ivy  from  the  wall ; 

Some  took  the  gate-post,  hinge  and  ail : 

72 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  THE  LAKES  OF   KILLARNET. 


While  more  took  heads  and  broken  wings 

Of  cherubs,  saints,  and  other  things 

They  gathered  in  and  out  the  place 

Ere  they  commenced  their  homeward  race. 

But  no  one  touched  the  cloister  yew ; 
The  superstition  well  they  knew: 
Who  plucks  a  leaf  from  that  old  tree 
Within  the  year  shall  buritMi  be. 
A  guard  about  the  tree  was  placed, 
And  round  raid  round  the  trunk  they  raced 
To  caution  those  who  near  it  strayed, 
And  even  kept  them  from  its  shade. 

Some  bottles  found  to  serve  their  need, 

And  filled  them  to  the  neck  with  speed 

With  water  from  the  crystal  lake  — 

A  precious  souvenir  to  make 

That  would  some  honored  station  find 

And  keep  Killarney  in  their  mind. 


Ilyeuoeuld  buiid 
« Inttinfl  komt, 

Pusi|  far  abmM 
ttit  stars  your 
«lome. 


in 


I 


llH 


N 


THE  BUOWNIKS  AT  GOLF. 


Ere   waking  stars  looked  from  the  sky 
^~      On  woaiy  man,  or  tunaed  an  oye 

To  neighbors  wheehiig  on  through  space, 
The  Brownies  reached  their  meetuig-plaee. 

Said  one :  "  Inaction,  as  they  say, 
Will  shorten  even  Satan's  day; 
And  we  should  warning  take,  and  strive 
Through  exercise  to  keep  alive. 
I  have  a  scheme  in  view  which  will 
Prolong  our  days,  I  'm  sure,  untU 
Some  later  action  comes  to  hand 
To  keep  us  still  a  stirring  band. 


I 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  GOLF. 


^::::^ 


.nacfil 


fe  IS  «"   —  < 

btutftrlyeryf 
doune  ttnd 


To-nigbt  we  're  near  an  ancient  green 
Or  royal  park  that  oft  has  seen 
The  games  of  Scotland  carried  out 
By  sturdy  clansmen  tall  and  stout. 
The  bare-legged  sons  of  Scotia  there 
Have  tossed  the  caber  high  in  air, 
And  strained  the  muscle  and  the  bone 
To  put  the  heavy  shoulder-stone." 
Another  said:  "Tlieii  let  us  aim 
To  play  at  once  a  Scottish  game ; 
Upon  the  ground  of  wliich  you  tell 
The  game  of  golf  will  suit  us  well. 
The  sportsmen  played  it,  as  we  know, 
At  least  four  hundred  years  ago. 
The  quaint  old  statutes  still  on  tile 
Against  the  sport  would  make  you  smile." 

Ask  not  where  they  obtained  supphes 
To  aid  them  in  their  enteiiuise; 
But  ask  the  people  by  the  way, 
Who  found  the  marks  of  use  next  day. 

And  wondered  who  had  made 

so  free 
With  things  kept  under  lock 

and  key. 
All  kinds  of  clubs  they  ha<l 

in  luind : 
Till'  driver  and  tlic  ])nissi»  grand 
For  cutting  weeds  tiiat  intcrv«'uc 
An  !  hide  the  ball  that  should 
be  clean; 


76 


THE   BROWNIES  AT  GOLF. 

The  iron,  niblick,  and  tho  oloik, 
Which  players  vahic  when  thoy  f^<'ck 
To  putt  tlie  ball,  when  "cupped"  at  rest, 
And  start  it  rudely  tVoni  its  nest. 
The  putter  too,  so  short  and  strong;, 
To  send  the  ball  a  distance  lonjx. 
With  heavy  strokes  the  hole  to  jjet 
On  which  th<>  mind  is  duly  set. 


I 


Near  Stirling?  town,  with  little  loss 
Of  tiiiir,  tile  links  were  marked  across 
The  famous  ^reen  and  nei^l  boring'  laud 
To  jpve  full  scope  to  all  the  band. 

70 


If 


THE  BROWNIES  AT   GOLF. 


\i 


y\\ 


Some  pi'actisod  at  the  easy  swiuj; 
That  players  to  their  service  bring 
Wiieii  every  muscle  in  the  frame 
Contributes  to  the  graceful  game; 
And  more  without  a  swing  at  all 
Attacked  at  once  the  passive  ball. 
Home  had  the  niles,  and  oft  th<'ir  cries 
Would  settle  questions  that  would  rise. 
No  partners  in  the  game  were  known ; 
Each   Brownie  played  for  self  alone. 
No  handicapping  was  allowed. 
For  every  Brownie  was  too  proud 
To  claim  a  favor  on  the  plea 
That  he  was  lacking  one  degree. 

77 


THE  BROWNIES   AT   0<)LF. 

New  ground  was  claimed  in  field  and  grove 
As  still  the  players  onward  drove ; 
The  balls  were  driven  from  the  tee 
Across  the  garden  and  the  lea; 
Around  the  country  still  they  spread 
Till  those  who  marked  the  links  ahead 
Sufficient  time  could  hardly  find 
To  suit  the  players  (.'lose  behind. 


i 


^ 


U  -^ 


The  game  went  on  o'er  vule  and  hill, 
A<'i'oss  a  glebe,  around  a  mill, 

"8 


a. 

IMi 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  GOLF. 


Tlien  in  and  out  the  other  side, 
And  througli  a  flume  that  forri'  supplied. 
Ai'ound  the  field  of  Bannoekbuni 
The  Brownies  took  a  double  tuni. 
The  famous  stone  searee  drew  an  eye, 
As  at  their  game  they  hurried  by, 
Where  Bniee  set  firm  his  banner  blight 
And  bravely  dared  King  Edward's  might. 


The  winding  Forth  was  not  a  bar, 
Because  the  balls  were  lofted  far 
Above  the  hazard  deep  and  wide, 
And  led  the  game  across  the  tide, 
Where  Wallace  made  his  noble  stand 
And  swept  the  bridge  with  awful  brand, 
Until  the  southern  foe  withdrew; 
The  ganu^  was  carried  on  anew, 
Until  it  se«'ined  «'re  one  could  win 
All  Scotland  would  be  taken  in. 

79 


'.^•iv.isweBa^BjWi- 


r  ■  :»-h* 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  GOLF. 


i  ! 


Still  hwp  nr)  «yr 

1(1  port 
On  I*)"!'''  iJno  promii* 

niost 


I:' 
( 


To  Abbey  Craig  their  steps  they  bent, 
Around  Sir  Williuru's  niouunient; 
Ai'ound  Kin  J?  James's  tomb,  as  well, 
The  sound  of  Brownie  voices  fell. 
The  lofting  strokes,  the  ''far  and  sure," 
Went  on  o'er  (-ambus-Kenneth  moor. 
The  caddies  j)uffing  on  behind 
With  usefid  clubs  of  every  kind. 
The  leading  principle  of  all, 
To  keep  the  eyes  u])<)n  the  ball, 
Was  well  observed  on  hill  and  ])lain 
By  those  who  seldom  look  in  vain. 
How  far  they  would  have  can-ied  play. 
Had  time  allowed,  't  is  hard  to  say; 
But  on  the  distant  mountain  range 
Their  practised  eye  observed  a  change; 
The  rays  that  brightened  every  crest 
Would  soon  upon  the  heather  rest, 
So  with  the  early  hints  of  sun 
The  Brownies'  game  of  golf  was  done. 


■  :  i 


i  ' 


80 


TITE  HROWNIKS 


AT  CHESTER. 


objects  indistinct  and  ^ray 
drew  fainter  with  tlic  dyinj?  day, 
Until  the  creatures  made  to  bask 
In  sunshine  quit  their  sport  or  task, 
And  out  Nvitli  sharp,  nocturnal  si^ht 
(!anie  all  the  ranj^ers  of  tlie  nij^ht, 
The  Brownies,  who  had  ke})t  apart 
From  busy  men  in  field  or  mart. 
Now  ventured  from  their  safe  retreat 
And  took  tlie  road  with  willing  feet. 
Where  ancient  Chester  rises  high 
Above  the  Dee  that  ripples  by, 
Tliey  promptly  paused  to  rest  awhile 
Or  ramble  round  in  lirownie  style. 
Haid  one :  "  The  bndge  on  which  we  stand 
For  centuries  this  stream  has  spanned. 
In  ages  past  full  oft  it  knew 
The  clattering  hoof  and  clouted  shoe, 
When  hosts  marched  on  with  bows  and  bills 
To  drag  the  Welshmen  from  their  hills. 

81 


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23  WieST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

;716)  872-4503 


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I  :    (    L 


THE  BROWNIES   AT   CHESTER. 


'1 


'  S 


W  ' 

» 


But  Taffy  was  not 

there  alone 
To  gnaw  the  stolen 

marrow -bone, 
But  many  a  leek-fed 

lad  besides, 
Who  battles  well, 

and  better  hides, 
And  often  kings, 

despite  their  pack 
Of  knights,  came 

empty-handed  back." 


Another  said :  "  The  wall  of  stone 
That  girds  the  city  like  a  zone 
Speaks  of  the  time  when  on  this  crest 
The  Roman  legions  found  a  rest. 
Some  say  that  John,  the  scoundrel  king, 
One  night  within  this  sandstone  ring, 
Wlien  marching  on  amid  his  host 
To  bring  his  foes  to  block  and  post. 
Made  rather  free  with  new-brewed  ale 
And  peaches  from  tlie  neighboring  vale. 

And  in  the  morn  was  posted  down 

To  fill  a  tomb  in  London  town." 

Another  said :  "  You  're  wrong,  my  friend ; 

Not  here  he  found  a  timely  end, 

But  at  old  Newark,  as  I  've  read, 

While  from  the  Wash  he  quickly  sped, 

Depressed  by  losses  on  the  beach, 

The  subtle  ale  and  blushing  peach 

8'2 


THE  BROWNIES  AT   CHESTER. 

Got  in  their  work,  and  freed  from  care 
A  king  the  country  well  could  spare. 
But,  fact  or  fable,  this  we  know: 
Still  shining  down  the  years 

will  go 
A  warning  which  the 

Brownie  kind 
No  less  than  man  should 

bear  in  mind." 
Then,  moving  at 
a  rapid  rate. 
They  reached  the  Fore 
or  Southern  Gate, 
And  with  the  deepening 

shade  grew  bold 
And  entered  in  the 

city  old. 
They  stood  awhile  the 

house  before 
That  on  it  an  inscription 

bore 
Which  told  that  when 
the  plague   so  dread 

Had  filled  each  street  and  lane  with  dead, 
This  house  alone  in  all  the  town 
Escaped  the  stern  Almighty  frown. 
Much  came  to  view  within  that  wall 
On  which  the  Brownies  well  might  call. 
The  baths,  where  Romans  felt  the  scrubs 
Of  brush  and  sponge  in  marble  tubs, 

83 


'  ! 


I  i 


•W'^ 


THE  BKOWNIES   AT   CHESTER. 


II 1 1 


■ 


Or  lay  and  dried  their  traveled  ])ones, 

In  drowsy  mood,  on  lieated  stones. 

The  Brownies  viewed  the  plot  of  i^round 

Which  legions  often  gathered  round 

To  see  the  races  or  exploits 

Of  those  who  fought  or  pitched  the  quoits. 


Pai-MCK  Co^ 


Ere  parlor  lights  had  ceased  to  burn 
The  old  cathedral  in  its  turn 
Received  attention  from  the  band, 
Who  wei'e  not  satisfied  to  stand 
And  view  the  stinicture  from  without, 
But  climbed  around  it,  in  and  out. 
The  orga'*!  loft  received  its  share; 
And  while  they  perched  so  high  in  air, 
Uniting  in  a  hymn  of  praise, 
They  seemed  the  very  roof  to  raise. 

84 


THE  BROWNIES  AT  CHESTER. 

Through  ehoir  and  nave  they  roll(Ml  along 
The  burden  of  the  sacred  song. 
The  cloister  roof,  the  chancel-stone, 
And  transept  aisle  gave  back  the  tone, 
Till  crypt  and  dome  took  up  the  strain 
That  made  the  building  ring  again. 
The  bishop's  throne  they  counted  not 
Too  sacred  nor  too  rich  a  spot 
For  Brownie  lim})s  to  rest  awhile ; 
So  there  thev  sat  to  chat  and  smile, 
And  closely  scan  the  stones  and  wood 
That  nigh  a  thousand  years  have  stood. 


■ 


Be  fAfly  on  t1i» 
nsirroio  uiay. 

AuoidfherusH  at 
ciose  of  day. 


9   <l 


i 


The  water-gate  their  footsteps  knew; 
The  (:io])Mu  Tower  attention  drevr, 


86 


if  : 


i  :    I 


;     i 


V   .';  f 


15 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   CHESTER. 

And  roused  conjecture  and  debate 
About  its  purpose  and  its  state. 
The  Stanley  Palace,  Eaton  Hall, 
And  Warren  Castle  had  a  call. 

The  latter  proved  a  striking  pile 
That  lield  them  for  a  httle  wliile. 
From  licdge  below  to  donjon-keep 
They  soon  made  bold  to  climb  and  creep, 
Till  more  tliey  knew  about  the  place 
Than  any  of  the  Warren  race. 
They  circled  round  the  city  wide. 
Some  on  the  wall  and  more  inside. 

At  length  the  tallest  tower  was  gained, 

And  to  the  top  the  Brownies  strained  ; 

For  from  that  height  King  Charles  beheld 

His  army  routed  and  expelled 

From  Rowton  Moor;  and  with  it  fled 

The  hope  that  to  the  conflict  led. 

So  long  they  stayed,  the  morning  ray 

Began  to  streak  the  east  with  gray : 

And  moving  in  his  weary  round 

A  watchman  chanced  to  reach  the  ground; 

And  bad  it  was  for  Brownie  plot 

That  halt  he  sliould  upon  the  spot, 

And,  worst  of  all,  a  seat  should  take 

Upon  the  steps,  some  notes  to  make. 

They  were  denied  the  only  stair. 

With  not  a  moment's  time  to  spare 

Before  the  sun  all  flaring  red 

Would  send  its  shafts  at  every  head. 

86 


Oon't  comploi'n  if 
frinlscall. 

Tuer/ apple  has 
its  fAl). 


THE   BROWNIES 


AT   OHESTFJl. 


To  be  thus  caged,  with  morning  near, 
Miglit  well  awaken  greatest  fear. 
The  Brownies  had  no  choice  but  throw 
Their  chances  on  a  jump  below, 
Or  wait  until  tlie  watchman's  back 
Would  turn  and  leave  an  open  track. 

87 


n 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   CHESTER, 


I 


I" 


1 


•t» 


And  still  the  precious  moments  sped; 
Eaeh  eye  wtis  popping  from  the  head. 
But  ere  he  moved  upon  his  way 
Still  nigher  spread  the  hints  of  day; 
And  when  at  lengih  the  coast  was  clear, 
They  counted  every  second  dear, 
By  happy  chance  an  early  flock 
Of  goats  were  grazing  on  a  rock. 

88 


'\ ',  I 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   CHEHTEK. 


On  these  they  settled  down  like  fiies, 

And  caused  confusion  and  sui-prise. 

The  frenzied  creatures,  made  aware 

Of  this  addition  to  their  care, 

Ere  they  had  time  to  study  o'er 

The  nature  of  the  load  they  bore, 

Were  very  quickly  up  in  air 

And  off,  it  mattered  little  where. 

Fresh  from  the  mountain  grass  of  Wales,        „e.pp«ceor™,od 

Thev  tossed  their  beards  and  shook  their  tails,    And  uughatl^eaiih 

''  of  Klondike  mine. 

And  started  for  the  wildest  moor 
The  neig;hboring  country  could  insure. 
The  faster  they  flew  o'er  the  land. 
The  better  suited  was  the  band, 
As  nowhere  near  the  town  had  they 
The  least  desire  to  longer  stay; 
For  as  they  fled  the  sun  uproUed 
And  turned  the  Chester  spires  to  gold. 


I 


89 


'  ■ 


1  I 


I 


n,: 

Hi 


if! 


ri"^ 


niE  BROWNIES 

AT  aLEN-DA-LOUaH. 


NE  (^voniniij,  while  on  Erin's  isle, 
Tlit^  Bi'owiiios  leathered,  rank  and  file : 
Policeman,  sailor,  soldior,  all 
Were  there  in  answer  to  the  call. 


But  not  upon  that  hill  to  stay 
The  Brownies  met  in  full  array; 
It  was  a  starting-point  to  .nark 
A  lively  race  at  early         : 
To  Glen-da-lough,  a  neigiiDoring  town. 
Which  long  ago  won  great  renown; 
For  there  St.  Kevin,  pious  soul. 
Taught  long  th(^  s(;hool  of  self-control. 
Kept  many  a  vow  and  many  a  fast, 
But  in  the  heat  of  passion  cast 
.V  heart  away  as  pure  and  light 
As  ever  made  a  cottage  bright. 
They  had  to  run  ere  they  could  make 
The  margin  of  that  darksome  lake, 
Where  seldom  falls  a  sunny  ray. 
And  larks  withhold  their  morning  lay. 

90 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   OLEN-DA-LOUGH. 


As  o'er  tlu'  road  the  Brownies  flew, 
Still  wonders  strange  attention  drew ; 
But  not  a  scene  along  the  way 
^[ade  more  demands  on  them  to  stay 
Than  did  the  fairy  mounds,  which  show 
No  marks  of  plowshare,  spade,  or  hoe ; 
For  round  them  still  the  farmers  toil, 
But  leave  untouched  the  patch  of  soil 
Which  faiiy  hands,  if  all  is  true, 
For  pleasure-gi'ounds  in  hillocks  threw. 

Thus  moving  on,  the 

Brownies  bold 
The  "  seven  churches  " 

soon  behold ; 
But  only  crumbling 

walls  remain 
To  mark  where  stood 
^r^TTts'T  each  sightly  fane. 

The  threshold  stone  and  steeple  tile 
Are  mingled  in  one  common  pile. 
Now  goats  climb  round  to  nip  the  weed 
Where  tablets  bore  the  sacred  creed. 
And  roosters  scratch  for  waiting  hens 
Where  knelt  the  priest  with  loud  amens. 
St.  Kevin's  kitchen  stood  the  test 
Of  time's  effacing  hand  the  best, 
And  here  the  Brownies  gathered  all 
To  gaze  upon  the  ivied  wall; 
Then  seek  the  rudely  fashioned  seat 
That  graced  the  pious  man's  retreat, 

91 


. 


Ill  I 


m 


i^' 


h 

f: 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   OLEN-J)A-L()U(}H. 

Whorc'  now  tlu'  visitor  can  try 
What  virtue  in  j*.  wish  may  he. 
A  Brownie  spoke:  "Now  who  shall  dare 
To  seat  him  in  St.  Kevin's  ehair, 
Where  often  sat  that  saint,  we  're  told, 
With  mind  so  finn  and  heart  so  cold ?" 
Another  said:  "Your  question  tends 
To  heap  an  insult  on  your  fiiends. 
But  Brownies'  hearts,  let  me  maintain, 
Are  free  from  every  sinful  stain." 
Then  what  a  scrambling  time  had  they 
To  gain  that  seat  without  delay! 
For  every  wish,  as  people  tell, 
Made  in  that  chair  will  prosper  well. 


Some  wished  for  pleasures  rich  and  rare; 
And  some  for  wealth  beyond  compare ; 
And  some,  like  Solomon  of  old, 
For  wisdom  prayed  instead  of  gold; 
While  more,  and  to  their  names  be  praise, 
Wished  Erin  might  see  better  days  — 

See  rents  that 
came  from 
laboring  hands 
Employed  to 
beautify  her 
lands ; 
See  plenty 
springing 
from  the 
sward, 


THE   HllOWNIES   AT  GLEN-DA-LOUdH. 


MiR? 


With  no  evictions  to  I'ocoi'd. 

A  stone  which  told  whore  lay  at  rest 

Some  one  who  long  the  country  hlessed 

Was  next  inspected  by  the  band. 

While  standing  r()und  it,  hand  to  hand, 

A  living  ring,  they  had  the  j-iglit 

In  several  wishes  to  unite. 

A  "  swearing-stone "  luid  pov/er  to  keep 

Them  for  a  time  ;  for  in  it  deep 

A  hole  was  drilled,  wherein  to  place 

A  finger  for  a  moment's  space ; 

And  it  was  said  by  young  and  old 

No  oath  could  have  a  better  hold. 

Said  one :  "  About  this  saint  we  hear 
Through  legends  that  as  tnith  appear 
A  sober  youth,  he  passed  his  days 
In  meditation,  prayer,  and  praise. 
With  heart  too  cold  to  melt  a  jot 
At  Cupid's  sharp,  persistent  shot. 
There  was  a  maid,  Kathleen  l)y  name; 
To  w^in  St.  Kevin  was  hei*  aim. 

Said  she  :  '  If  love  can  force  apart 

The  walls  of  stone,  the  stony  heart 

In  time  must  yield  to  Cnpid's  call; 

Then  he  '11  be  mine  for  good  and  all' 

So  let  him  pray,  or  let  him  preach, 

Or  moral  lessons  strive  to  teach, 

He  still  would  find  that  maiden  true 

With  smiles  and  curtsies  pop  in  view, 

93 


i' 


. 


^1 


V   fe 


f 


I 


m 


THE  BROWNIES  AT   OLEN-DA-LOUOH. 


And  poor  St.  Kevin's  mind 

perforce 
Would  be  diverted  from 

its  course. 
What  could  he  do  but 

quickly  take 
The  only  boat  upon  the 


lake, 


Love  should  Kindle 

every  breast 
Tljougn  in  secret         „■,■,,■,  ,-i 

or  expressed     And  ply  the  oars  until 

the  skiff 
Had  reached  a  high 

o'erhanging  cUff, 
Then,  climbing  up,  work 

like  a  slave 
Until  he  chiseled  out 

a  cave 
In  which  to  creep  at  evening 

shade 
And  shun  the  smiling  village 

maid. 
'  Thougli 

persecuted 

all  the  day 
With  smiles 

to  lead  the 

mind  astray. 
In  here,'  r^j, 

tht>ught  he,    - 

'  through 

night  at  least 


04 


THE  BROWNIES  AT   GLEN-DA-LOUGH. 


There'll  be  some  comfort  for  a  priest.' 
But  poor  St.  Kevin,  tftiougli  he  knew 
The  road  to  heaven  as  well  as  you, 
Was  quite  as  simple  as  a  dove 
In  understanding  woman's  love, 
That  braves  ahke  the  flood  or  flame, 
The  scorn  of  pride  or  sting  of  shame. 
How  many  nights  he  found  good  rest 
Within  his  rude  and  airy  nest 
Was  never  told;  but  this  we  know: 
One  morning,  ere  the  early  crow 

Had  thought  of  bidding  roost  farewell, 
He  heard  a  rustling  at  his  cell. 
And  bolting  up  with  startled  stare. 
He  found  the  smiling  maid  was  tlierc^ 
Without  a  ladder  or  a  rope, 
Or  aught  to  render  aid  but  hope, 
She  slid  around,  and  footing  kept, 
Until  beside  his  bed  she  crept. 


"The  prelate  lived  for  many  a  year 
To  penance  do  for  rashness  here. 
The  hand  that  could  the  censer  swing 
From  day  to  day  with  patient  fling, 
And  turn  the  leaves  of  Holy  Writ 
With  })ioas  care,  was  hardly  fit 
To  patient  rest  beneath  the  strain 
That  now  possessed  St.  Kevin's  bi*ain. 
The  legend  leaves  no  room  for  doubt 
As  to  the  fact  of  putting  out, 


]■ 


11  '■' 

II 


iih 


hi 


,  1 1 


! 


THE   BROWNIES   AT   GLEN-DA-LOUGH. 

Though  evidence  is  somewhat  slack 
About  the  manner  of  attack. 
It  may  have  been  a  thoughtless 

shove  — 
A  poor  reward  for  such  a  love ; 
It  may  have  been  a  hasty  blow, 
^V^iere  rage  was  quick  and 

reason  slow; 
But  there  were  shrieks  that  shook 

th'.'  stag 
A  mile  away  on  Murphy's  crag, 
And  made  the  crow  leap  from 

the  haw 
And  flap  away,  too  weak  to  caw, 
Before  the  sullen  splash  below 

Ajinounced  her  cruel 

overthrow. 
No  more  to  cross 

St.  Kevin's  way. 
For  love  and  life 

extinguished  lay." 
There  Brownies  were 

content  to  bide 
Until  the  hints  of 


<ll''^i 


morning- tide 


Compelled  them  all  to 
leave  the  spot 

To  seek  a  safe,  secluded 
grot. 


96 


THE  BROWNIES'  FOX-HUNT. 


HE  dusky  eve  had,  like  a  veil, 
Descended  on  the  quiet  dale, 
And  beckoned  things  to  hill  and  plain 
That  follow  nightly  in  her  train, 
When,  brightest  of  her  retinue, 
The  cunning  Brownies  came  in  view. 
Said  one  :  "  The  task  we  have  to-night 
Is  one  that  should  each  heart  delight. 
No  better  work  can  come  to  hand 
Than  driving  foxes  from  the  land. 
I  chance  to  know  where  three  or  four 
Have  made  their  home  a  year  or  more  — 
A  rocky  hill  that  does  supply 
Good  places  for  the  rogues  to  lie. 
In  spite  of  traps  and  pills,  I  hear, 
They  live  on  poultry  all  the  year. 
The  white  meat  to  the  sick  they  throw; 
The  giblets  to  the  toothless  go; 
The  drumsticks  and  the  wishbones  fall 
To  babies  who  to  breakfast  crawl. 

97 


i  , 


Ip 


lii 


\l 


h 


I 


Ir  you'r«  a  •countirel 
don't  suppose 

Tlli)t  no  one  else 
the  secret  knows. 


THE  brownies'   FOX-HUNT. 

And  thus  the  pride  of  many  £  yard 

Is  portioned  out  with  due  I'egard. 

The  farmers'  wives  around  the  mount 

Each  morning  have  still  less  to  count; 

The  fattest  and  the  purest  breed, 

The  kind  that  costs  the  most  to  feed, 

All  those  in  highest  favor  stalled, 

Are  missing  when  the  roll  is  called." 

"  Then  here  's  a  chance,"  another  cried, 

"For  work  and  pleasure  in  one  ride. 

If  we  could  kill  or  even  mire 

These  robbers  in  some  other  shire. 

The  blessings  of  the  farmers'  wives 
Would  follow  us  through  all  our  li^^es ; 
And  that  should  be  enough,  indeed, 
To  make  each  Brownie  mount  a  steed. 
Now,  we  can  aid  in  running  down 
These  rascals  that  annoy  the  town, 
And  all  the  year,  with  boldness  rare, 
Presume  to  live  on  Christmas  fare. 
Tlie  dogs  and  horses,  well  we  know, 
Are  close  at  hand,  and  glad  to  go 
On  such  a,  chase  across  the  land 
As  will  befit  the  Brownie  band." 

It  takes  short  talk  to  bring  about 

A  move  when  words  like  these  go  out ; 

And  while  some  ran  for  horses  good 

At  leaping  wall  and  hedge  of  wood, 

A  number  to  the  kennel  went 

For  foxhounds  of  the  finest  scent — 

98 


THE  BROWNIES'   FOX  HUNl. 


Those  who  could  still  a  rogue  pursue 
If  bird-like  through  the  air  he  flew. 
What  saddling  up  and  reining  in 
On  every  side  did  then  begin! 
"The  whipper-in,"  said  one, 

"  1  '11  be, 
And  play  my  part,  as  you  shall  see. 
I  '11  keep  control  of  every  hound. 
However  wild  may  be  the  ground." 
'T  was  hustle,  bustle,  everywhere. 
With  not  a  moment's  time  to  spare. 
The  barking  dog,  the  neighing  steed, 
Thus  taken  from  their  evening  feed, 
With  Brownies'  chatter  wedged 

between, 
Gave  promise  of  a  lively  scene. 
Well  might  the  fox  upon  the  hill 
Arrest  his  step  and  hsten  still, 

As,  with  forebodings  grounded  well. 

He  seemed  to  hear  his  funeral  knell; 

For  something  told  him  in  the  rout 
He  'd  figure  ere  the  lights  went  out. 
From  biu'rows  came  the  sharpened  nose, 
The  lifted  ears,  and  hardened  toes 

Of  many  a  culprit  who  had  made 

The  poultry  study  all  his  trade, 

And  knew  each  habit,  haunt,  and  part 

Like  those  who  raised  them  for  the  mart. 

Tile  Brownies,  mounted  in  the  way 

That  offered  best  without  delay, 

09 


V^       "^ 


1. 


I     ' 


t 


I 


"*■     V. 


THE  brownies'  FOX-HUNT. 

Were  dashing  soon  across  the  field 
'Mid  sniflSng  hounds  that  round  them  wheeled. 
Some  horses  carried  three  or  four, 
While  some  were  taxed  with  even  more; 
For  Brownies  do  not  carp  about 
^  Who  's  in  the  saddle  or  who  's  out, 

"^^j^       So  long  as  they  have  got  a  place 

That  gives  them  mention  in  the  race. 
The  howling  of  the  foremost  hound 
Gave  notice  that  the  scent  was  found: 
And  then  a  chase  o'er  hills  and  dales 
Began  that  pen  to  picture  fails. 
Some  over  hedges  hghtly  flew, 
While  others  simply  bolted  through, 
At  risk  of  getting  many  a  rent 
And  rasp  from  bushes  as  they  went. 
^  Said  one :  "  If  we  prolong  this  fun 

[^  '^^^sA  ^<"  '11  •^<^on  without  much  clothing  run, 

"^^Pl^^^  SiiKM^  every  vicious  thorn  or  snag 

]^i^^|M|^    We  chance  to  pass  recc^ives  a  rag," 

At  times  behind  the  hounds  they  sped; 
At  times  they  galloped  on  ahead; 
And  dogs  were  forced,  though  in  the  lead, 
To  quit  the  trail  and  dodge  the  steed.  "^     .  " 

It  mattered  little,  as  they  bent 
Their  efforts  more  through  sight  than  scent. 
The  birds,  upstarting  from  their  spray, 
Thus  roused  long  ere  the  break  of  day, 
Flew  blindly  round  from  place  to  place. 
As  if  full  partners  in  the  chase. 

100 


THE    BUOWNIEH'   FOX-HUNT. 


f^ 


Round  barley-stacks,  through  fields  of  oats, 
Throuj?h  garden  gates  and  castle  moats, 
The  hunt  went  on  with  many  a  fall, 

And  many  a  pitch  across  the  wall, 

Where  horses  felt  a  moment's  dread. 

But  sent  their  riders  far  ahead. 

The  early  dusk  beheld  the  start; 

Tlie  moon  had  crossed  the  stan'v  chart, 

And  paled  at  hints  of  coming  day, 

But  still  the  chase  was  under  way. 

101 


! 


j'///r^uKHiwau*w.  A*/<'>«<^-' 


'■   ! 


■     I 


li  ■   ^ 


I*  > 


,  '  [ 


r     i 


THE   BROWNIES    FOX-HUNT. 


y  -r 


Prize-winners  at  the  county  fair 
And  yearly  meet  were  sweating  there ; 
For  those  who  urged  them  to  their  best 
Were  not  the  kind  to  ask  for  rest. 
Resorting  to  each  cunning  plan, 
Through  lioles  in  walls  the  foxes  ran ; 
Each  point  of  vantage  soon  was  seized; 
Through  broken  drainage-pipes  they  squeezed, 
While  dogs,  too  large  to  enter  in, 
Lost  space  it  took  them  hours  to  win. 
An  ancient  palace  stood  about 

Three  leagues  away  when  they  set  out. 

They  passed  below  its  towers  dark. 

Thrice  circled  round  the  lodge  and  park, 

And  tore  away  new  ground  to  find. 

And  left  it  twenty  miles  behind.  ^Rr 

As  when  St.  Patrick  drove  before 

The  toads  and  snakes  from  Erin's  shore, 

102 


»  ''I 


THE   BROWNIE8'   FOX-HUNT. 


Still  cleansing  counties  as  he  passed, 
\  _  And  leaving  blessings  long  to  last, 

W^l^  So  did  the  Brownies  drive  the  host 

— —J--.  Of  rascals  to  the  distant  coast, 

Where  people  mainly  live  on  fish, 
And  poultry  is  an  unknown  dish. 

And  though  the  stars  began  to  fail 

Before  they  quite  could  reach  a  tail. 

The  fright  sufficed  to  keep  away 

The  cunning  thieves  for  many  a  day. 


~^^ 


u 


■ 

t 


ill 


' 


II 


THE  BROWNIES 

ON  TME  APPIAN  WAY. 

siiii  had  left  St.  Peter's  dome, 
And  Jill  the  seven  hills  of  Rome 
Beujau  to  fade  from  hmnaii  sij]fht, 
When  trooping  forth  with  faces  bi'ijfht 


The  cunning  Brownies  promptly  showed 

Tliemselves  nj)on  a  Roman  road, 

For  't  was  their  plan  that  night  to  take 

A  ride  that  would  all  records  break. 

Said  one  who  with  a  pleasant  flow 

Reviewed  their  missicm  here  below  : 

"■  My  friends,  we  should  be  all  agreed 

In  fullest  sense  ere  we  proceed. 

Not  happy  if  alone  we  sip 

The  joy  where  eveiy  one  should  dip. 

For  still  united  minds  will  tell 

No  less  than  hands,  in  doing  well. 

That  man  may  live  to  silver  hair 

Who  for  himself  alone  has  care, 

104 


OREAMSRV 

efv«pi.ovsesoNi.v 

AOMITTeo 


THE   UROWNIES  ON    THE  Al'l'lAN    WAY. 


But  he  '11  not  loave  his  fellow-men 
A   life  they  '11  want  to  see  again." 
Anothev  said:  "  Yonr  words  are  sound; 
We  '11  friendly  prove,  wherever  found. 
If  mi sehief -making  was  our  aim 
Or  purpose  here,  there  's  none,  I  elaim, 

Has  better  chance  lor 

actions  mean 
Than  one  who  moves 

about  unseen. 
The  miser  co.nits  his 

money-bags, 
And  marks  their  worth 
with  private  tags. 
And  tucks  them  well 

away  at  night 
In  bed,  secure  from 
mortal  sight. 
If  prayer  he  says,  w^hich  much  we  doubt. 
It  is  that  when  he  tumbles  out 
At  morn  he  '11  find,  in  every  case, 
The  bags  still  nestUng  in  their  place. 
But  there  would  plucking  be  of  hair, 
And  groans  and  trembling  of  despair, 
If  we  but  cared  to  exercise 
The  mystic  power  that  in  us  lies. 
For  from  the  bolster  we  could  draw 
His  treasures,  and  not  move  a  straw, 
Nor  make  a  rustle  in  the  house 
Would  stir  with  fear  a  baby  mouse. 

105 


•  I, 


liiii 

IB 


THE    BROWNIEH   ON   THK   AITIAN    WAY. 


And  thoujjh  wo  often 

have  to  hide 
In  holes  where  few 

would  care  to  bide, 
Where  Httle  eonifoi't 

is  our  part 
An<l  little  cluinee  to 

make  a  start, 


But  we  have  other  mission  here 
Than  that  of  eausitij:^  ^roan  or  tt^ar, 
And  so  we  let  the  miser  lie 
Ui)on  his  bags,  and  pass  iiim  by, 
Hut  not  without  a  pitying  glan(H'! 
And  wisii  that  he  may  yet  advancM^ 
To  higher  aim  than  to  be  roUed 
In  bedclothes  with  a  bag  of  gold." 
Another  said  :  "  We  move  alone 
From  passion  free  in  every  zone, 


I' 


mm^m^. 


We  're  out  again  as  fresh 

and  fair 
As  though  we  never  had 

a  scare." 
No  less  a  thoroughfare 

had  they 
Selected  than  the  Appian 

Way, 
And  started  in 

a  four-in-hand, 
The  finest  rig  they 

could  command ; 

106 


THE  BROWNIES   ON   THE  Al'PIAN   WAY. 

For  little  tinit'  had  thoy  to  spend 
In  scurching  Konic  from  ond  to  end, 
And  they  were  well  eontent  to  try 
The  road  with  what  tirst  met  th(i  eye. 


'tfc 


[TV 


'tt/ttt    f** 


The  coacli,  though  large,  could  not  provide 
A  seat  for  all  who  wished  to  ride ; 
So  certain  artich^s  were  found 
And  fastened  here  and  there  around 
To  yield  such  comfort  and  dehght 
As  seats  without  a  cushion  might. 
But  one  would  search  creation  through, 
From  oldest  lands  to  countries  new, 

107 


i( 


II 


:n: 


jh! 


is 


Aryou  I'm  lookino- 
you,l  mean. 

Tftke  herd  and  keep 
your  rpcord  clean. 


THE  BROWNIES  ON  THE  APPIAN   WAY. 

And  not  be  able  to  obtain 

A  band  of  such  a  elieerful  vein, 

Content  to  make  the  best  of  all 

The  blessings  found,  however  small. 

The  start  was  all  that  one  could  wish ; 

No  other  spoon  was  in  the  dish. 

The  way  where  thousands  often  rolled 

Along  in  chariots  of  gold, 

With  trusty  guard  and  nimble  page, 

Was  now  the  Brownies'  heritage; 

And  none  could  greater  joy  derive 

From  such  a  road  or  such  a  drive. 

Said  one :  "  'T  is  not  so  much  the  seat 

As  heart  that  does  within  you  beat 

That  guarantees  a  pleasant  ride 

Or  happiness  on  every  side. 

The  one  who  rides  a  jolting  cart. 

If  sweet  content  is  but  his  part, 

Will  comfort  find  in 
everythmg, 

And  joys  not  governed 
by  a  spring." 

Another  said  :  "  We  now 
and  then 

Need  lessons,  much  the 
same  as  men. 

To  give  us  strength  when 
troubles  rise. 

And  wisdom  to 
philosophize. 

108 


i  I 


!  1 


i  I 


THE  BROWNIES   ON   THE   APPIAN   WAY 

This  fine  suimrban  road  we  own 
To-night,  was  oft  in  pictures  shown, 
And  glowing  stories  have  been  told 
About  the  people  proud  and  bold 
Who  crowded  here,  in  by-gone  days, 
With  sin  coiTupt,  with  gold  ablaze ; 
Such  as  to  vice  and  passion  turned, 
And  fiddled  while  the  city  burned. 
They  had  their  day,  and  it  was  dark, 
However  hard  they  struck  the  spark 
And  through  their  conquest  tried  to  shine 
Without  the  aid  of  rays  divine." 
A  third  remarked:  "Although  a  tale, 
To  speak  the  truth,  is  somewhat  stale 
That  every  school-boy  can  re.eite, 
It  seems  not  out  of  place  to-night." 
The  birds  of  night  gave  sweetest  song 
To  greet  them  as  they  moved  along. 
Enjoying  scenes  that 

spread  around, 
inciting  them  to  thoughts 

profound. 
But  well  it  was  they  had 

been  schooled 
To  hardships,  and  where 

patience  ruled ; 
b'or  were  it  otherwise, 

no  doubt 
That  evening  would  have 

laid  them  out : 

109 


Ji 


II 


p 


i  i 


THE   BROWNIES   ON   THE    4PPIAN    WAY. 


before  theyligh^ 
So  smiles  9om»riniM 
furerun  ttie  bife. 


For  extra  seats  were  insecure ; 
The  drivers  were  not  always  sure ; 
While  trees  at  times  would  seem  to  shoot 
From  earth  at  onee  with  Imiiich  and  root, 
And  neither  double  line  nor  lash 
Nor  language  could  avert  a  crash. 
The  sudden  shock  would  check  the  smile 
And  bring  distress  to  rank  and  file, 
Especially  to  those  whose  strange 
Position  suffered  by  the  change, 
And  even  with  the  best  of  luck 
Had  need  for  patience  and  for  pluck. 

110 


I'""' 


THE  BROWNIES   ON   THE  APPIAN   WAY. 

The  night  wore  on,  and  stars  retu'ed, 
For  much  repairing  was  required 


#u^^ 


^^^-:^\  ^ 


Before  the  journey  found  an  end 
And  they  had  time  all  breaks  to  mend. 
Some  hubs  that  had,  in  compact  strong, 
With  spokes  and  fellies  traveled  long 
O'er  many  a  vale  and  weaiy  hill, 
In  touch  through  every  trial  still. 
Now  left  the  league  away  to  fly 
Without  a  chance  to  say  good-by. 
Bat  mystic  hands  can  wonders  do. 
And  none  need  doubt,  ere  they  were  through, 
Some  skill  was  shown  and  methods  planned 
Reflecting  credit  on  the  band. 
For  those  who  glaze  the  broken  pane. 
And  spin  the  wool,  and  harshest  grain. 
Construct  a  ship  or  cook  a  meal. 
Can  soon  repair  a  shattered  wheel. 


Ill 


' 


1  •' 

1 1 


m'\'. 


»h; 


1*1    ' 


THE    BROWNIES    PRINTING. 

geese  had  left  the  pond  below ; 

The  tree  received  the  grain-filled  crow 
That  all  day  long  laughed  in  his  wing 

To  see  the  rag-made  scarecrow  swing; 

The  children's  meny  shont  no  more 

Was  heard  around  the  cottage  door; 

When  Brownies  with  the  evening  shade 

Came  forth  and  plans  for  action  laid. 

Said  one :  "  No  time  we  need  to  waste 

In  talk  where  wisdom  counsels  haste ; 

The  work  that  lies  before  us  now 

Is  not  to  hold  the  jumping  plow, 

Nor  yet  to  drag  the  gasping  fish 

From  water  for  the  peasant's  dish. 

But  to  a  printing-house  near  by 

To  find  our  way  and  then  apply 

Om*  hands  to  type  and  presses  great, 

A  printed  sheet  to  circulate." 

Short  was  the  time,  indeed,  that  rolled 

Between  the  plan  and  action  bold ; 

But  ere  they  entered  in  the  place 

They  filled  a  window's  ample  space 

lis 


^ALfitu  co:\ 


If  i  I  :  i 


h 


'"'ii/>ff/t  CO}^ 


Keep  up  youfhesfii 
tfiegate  i3  near 

Where  loadujill  rAll, 
and  prize  appear. 


THE   BROWNIES   PRINTINO. 

With  faces  anxious  for  a  stare 

At  presses  set  in  order  there. 

Said  one:  "How  few  e'er  pause  to  think 

What  power  Hes  in  a  drop  of  ink. 

A  scratch,  a  dot,  an  aiiy  notion, 

Can  start  a  thousand  wheels  in  motion, 

And  bring  employment  to  the  hand 

Of  many  a  workman  through  the  land! 

What  legions  eat  their  daily  bread 

Through  thoughts  from  some  poor  creature's 

head, 
Who  seems  most  happy  when  his  gaze 
Is  into  fancy's  wondrous  maze." 


Another  said:  "There  's  nothing  strange 

In  that.     If  you  through  nature  range, 

You  '11  find  some  birds  that  spread  the  wing 

And  to  the  clouds  of  heaven  sing, 

And  only  from  their  soaring  drop 

To  earth  when  they  've  an  empty  crop; 

While  others  in  the  hedges  mope, 

A  seed  or  grub  their  only  hope ; 

They  pitch  no  tone  above  their  'cheep,' 

And  little  glory  care  to  reap. 

And  seldom  bring  their  wings  in  play 

Except  to  flit  from  harm  away; 

Some  fish  that  near  the  surface  scud, 

And  more  that  feel  content  in  mud; 

Some  beasts  that  have  an  eye  alone 

For  strangers'  heels,  or  offal  bone, 

113 


mh 


r, . 


I' 

1 


THE  BROWNIES  PRINTING.  . 

And  others  of  such  knowing  vvays, 
They  merit  people's  love  and  praise. 
If  each  is  happy  in  its  state, 
What  need  have  we  to  mourn  its  fate, 
Since  happiness  is  still,  they  say, 
The  boon  for  which  all  hope  and  pray. 
The  toad  is  happier  under  stone 
Than  in  the  light  upon  a  throne, 
And  he  who  drags  him  from  his  bed 
With  thanks  will  not  be  overspread. 
Let  njiture  take  its  course,  my  friend, 
And  strive  your  own  weak  points  to  mend ; 
Yt>u  '11  not  lose  time,  if  all  is  true, 
In  looking  round  for  work  to  do ; 
You  '11  have  a  task,  not  for  a  year. 
But  while  you  stay  upon  this  sphere. 
And  leave  unfinished,  I  '11  be  bound. 
For  here  perfection  is  not  found." 
No  sooner  was  an  entrance  gained 
Than  each  his  mystic  power  strained 
To  show  experience  in  the  art 
That  was  assigned  him  as  his  part. 
Some  sat  in  editorial  chairs 
And  leaders  wrote  of  home  affairs, 
The  foreign  policj'  discussed. 
The  Turkish  loan,  the  sugar  trust, 
Alliances  that  might  be  found 
So  advantageous  all  around; 
And  urged  a  naval  demonstration 
To  overawe  some  growling  nation. 

114 


The  Joy  that  springs 
troni  doing  right 

Will  rniihetheplaineiit 
features  bright. 


THE   BROWNIES  rKINTING. 


Some  drove  a  sharp  combative  pen, 
And  called  to  arms  all  fighting  men; 
Denounced  those  kissing  angel-kings 
Who  carry  knives  beneath  their  wings; 
Urged  friends  to  trust  their  hugs  no  more, 
For  war  was  at  their  very  door. 
While  at  the  linotypes  they  stood 
And  set  the  lines  as  best  they  could. 
And  those  who  know  the  Brownies  will 
Be  sui'e  't  was  done  with  speed  and  skill 
The  paper-rolls  with  flash  and  gleam 
Ran  through  the  presses  like  a  stream. 


115 


THE   BROWNIES   PRINTINO. 


11 


iiihii 


1!^! 


Some  overlooked  the  work  in  lumd, 
Some  saw  supply  wait  on  demand; 

More  ran  like  newsboys,  ready  there 

To  scatter  pages  everywliere. 

And  never  was  a  task  assigned 

To  creatures  of  more  willing  mind. 

From  central  square  to  outer  road, 

At  club-house,  inn,  and  plain  abode, 

At  merchant's  hall  and  gipsy  tent, 

They  left  some  copies  as  they  went. 

Some,  working  with  uncommon  zeal, 

Found  trouble  through  a  crank  or  wheel, 

116 


\         '  ■--•■9.utmi<iMm 


•a.m*  1. ' '  mu  J  nfiPM 


THE   BROWNIES   PRINTING. 

For  things  wore  cli<ikiuf;f  all  about, 

Now  rolling  in,  now  turning  out ; 

Or  taking  hold,  like  lingers  strong, 

Of  this  or  that  which  moved  along. 

The  workers  wer-  not  slow  to  see 

Just  where  they  should  or  should  not  be. 

But  if  they  had  as  many  eyes 

As  teeth,  there  would  have  been  some  cries. 

So  close  they  crowded  to  outdo 

Each  other  at  the  labor  new. 

Some  Brownies  entered  in  the  door 


With  swallow-tails  they  proudly  wore ; 
But  hungry  presses  soon  got  hold 
Of  any  loosely  hanging  fold. 
The  garment  quickly  disappeared; 
Between  revolving  plates  it  steered; 
And  when  the  vesture  next  they 

spied, 
It  bore  the  news  on  (4ther  side. 
Some  were  so  marked  with  piini^r's 

ink, 
Thev  called  to  mind  the  bobolink 


When  first  he  dons  his  springtime  coat 
And  gives  the  North  his  matchless  note. 
All  climes  and  countries,  bond  and  free. 
That  rise  from  out  the  circling  sea, 
Were  true  to  nature  jotted  down 
Upon  their  clothing,  white  or  brown. 
Next  morning,  when  their  printed  sheet 
Was  found  on  door-steps,  folded  neat, 

117 


i  1  ■' 


^1! 


-"/tt/yf/f  cox 


THE   BROWNIES   PRINPINO. 

And  at  oach  hrcukfast-tablc  I'cad, 
Co!ifiisioii  throuj^h  the  city  sjn-cad. 
For  measures  hud  been  voiced  could  make 
The  sti'onjijest-mindod  statesman  quake. 
The  bourse  was  shaken  to  the  dre^s, 
And  stocks  went  smash  like  broken  ej:f,j?s; 
Sealed  orders  were  despatched  to  fleets, 
And  crowds  collected  in  the  streets; 

Wldle  women  pale  ran  up  and  down 

As  if  a  foe  besieged  the  town. 

The  Brownies  from  their  hidinj;-place 

Looked  on  the  scene  with  smilinu;  face. 

And  said  :  "  This  proves,  one  must  confess. 

The  w(mdrous  power  of  the  press." 

But  when  by  noon  the  fact  was  known 

That  Brownies  had  the  challenge  thrown 

To  every  nation  on  the  ball 

That  had  a  corporal's  guard  to  call. 

The  to\Nni  resumed  its  quiet  state  ; 
The  ])()nds  sold  at  their  normal  rate; 
The  shutters  were  removed  in  haste ; 
The  shopman's  smile  the  frown  displaced; 

The  ships  once  more  at  anchor  lay ; 

The  war  supplies  were  laid  away ; 

The  beacon-fires  no  longer  burned; 

The  swords  were  to  the  sheaths  returned; 

And  people  laughed  to  think  that  all 

The  flurry  came  through  Brownies  small. 


118 


I 


THE  city  and  the  pleusaiit  bay 
Of  Naples  in  the  sliadow  lay 
Of  eve^illJ,^  when  tlie  Brownies  found 
A  chance  to   v<'acli   their   meetinj^-fii'oiind. 
Awhile  their  notions  were  exchanged, 
That  over  many  subjects  ranged ; 
The  ways  of  men  they  criticized, 
And  with  some  reason  moralized. 
Foi'  they  have  heard  the  priest  expound 
When  no  one  thought   tliey  were  ai'ound. 
Perhaps  beneath  the  pul]nt  stair 
They  listened  to  the  opening  prayer; 
Knew  when  't  was  nairow  and  confined 
To  his  own  circle,  creed,  or  kind, 
Or  when  it  spread  to  every  race, 
A  i)lea  for  all  who  neede<l  grace. 
Perhaps,  concealed  in  organ-pipes, 
They  much  enjoyed  the  parson's  wipes 
At  people  who  neglect  their  chance 
Some  creature's  comfort  to  advance; 


119 


1 1  * 

it 


i. 

h 

1 

'  1 
t 

;   \ 


IK  ' 


THE    BROWN [ES   ON    MOUNT    VESUVIUS. 


And  even  througli 

their  mystic,  trait 
Tliey  saw  the  deacon 

pass  the  plate, 
And  knt'W  whose 

penny  helped 

to  fill, 
And  who  enriched  it 

with  a  hill. 
8aid  one:  '^  To  that 

dark  peak  so  hij?h, 
Now  looming  plain 

against  the  sky, 
To-night  we  must 

at  once  proceed. 
The  task  be  mine  to 

take  the  lead 
And  bring  you  up 

the  i-ugged  side 


^    Vftv/i 


'■'^irf/  cox 


To  where  the  crater  vawns  so  wide. 
The  wonders  that  will  meet  your  gaze 
The  mind  will  carry  all  your  days." 
Another  said :  "  No  doubt  you  're  wisi', 
And  when  to  other  realms  you  rise, 
And  leave  these  shifting  scenes  below. 
The  world  itself  will  feel  the  blow ; 
But  all  the  same  we  '11  not  depend 
On  one  ix\om\  his  aid  to  lend, 
But  who  can  best  his  speed  maintain 
May  leadership  and  station  gain." 

120 


THE   BUOWNIES  ON   MOUNT  VEHUVTCS. 


Ere  long  the  roughest,  steepest  place 

Bore  witness  to  their  upwjml  race. 

Some  carried  lengtliy  ropes  of  wire 

Tliat  would  withstand  both  rock  and  fire, 

And  others  wicker  baskets  bore 

In  which  they  could  the  depths  explore. 

Said  one  :  "  We  '11  quickly  something  know 

About  the  secret  works  b(l(>w; 

For  we  '11  descend  into  the  pit 

As  far  as  reason  will  pennit, 

And  learn,  perhaps,  ere  we  return. 

How  deep  an  endless  fire  can  bum. 

Prepare  yourselves  for  sulphurous  smoke 

And  noises  that  the  world  awoke 

In  ages  past,  when  cities  proud 

Were  buried  in  an  ashen  shroud. 

If  there  are  those  whose  faces  pale 

When  Hstening  to  a  gipsy's  tale, 

They  'd  better  keep  a  lower  sphere; 

Their  ylace  to-night  is  liardly  here." 

The  road  was  rough,  and  some  grew  weak 
Before  they  gained  the  lofty  peak; 
But  little  time  they  stood  to  scan 
The  crater  wide  ere  they  began 
To  lower  those  who  cared  to  take 
The  chance  of  any  slip  or  break. 
At  times  the  yell  or  thrilling  call 
Of  those  in  danger  startled  all, 
And  brought  the  staring  eyes  about 
To  learn  the  cause  of  such  a  shout. 

121 


p-'*>^, 


The  mouse  FhAt  has 

no  tamfe  for  cheeae 
Is  not  so  apt  to  get 
a  squeeze. 


11 


I  :  r 


f  ►  t 


iijl 


I 


i  i 


< 


THE   BKOWNIES   ON   M(3UNT   VESUVIUS. 

'T  was  sti'jingo  upon  that  very  niii'li! 
The  iuward  tiro  should  spriun'  to  lii;ht 
Which  snioldcrcd  low  tor  uiauv  a   voar 
And  i>'ave  hut  little  eause  for  tear. 
And  now  a  hubhling  sound  wouhl  rise 
From  depths  unseen  hy  Brownie  eyes ; 
Next  smoke  and  ashes  would  ascend 
In  clouds  that  seemed  to  have  no  end ; 
And  then  the  heat  and  lurid  flame, 
To  cap  the  s[)readipii!:  horror  came, 
Attended  by  a  rund)lini'-  sound 
Like  ])eals  of  thuudtM*  underground. 
Soon  those  below  the  signals  threw 
To  friends  above,  who  quickly  drew 
Upon  the  ropes  with  fingers  stout 
To  brhig  their  hapless  comrades  out. 

The  drowsy  bats,  quite  unprepared 
For  such  an  outbi-eak,  badly  fared, 
As,  flitting  wildly  from  their  nest. 
They  sought  a  safer  place  of  rest. 


:^.,-rJ    '^^'- 


122 


THE   BROWNIEH   ON   MOUNT   VESUVIUS. 


No  wonder  there  were  shouts  below, 
And  shouts  above,  and  many  an  "  Oil ! " 
Wrunj?  forth  by  pain,  and  vows  to  stand 
Unbroken,  niad^  with  lifted  hand, 

IL'3 


THE  BKOWNIES  ON  MOUNT  VESUVIUS. 


i 


M, 


mk^'M 


That  tbey  hereafter  would  give  o'er 

Their  crazy  notions  to  explore. 

'T  was  bad  that  basket-wood  should  start 

At  such  a  time  to  break  apart. 

And  worse  that  ropes,  a  prey  to  rust, 

Should  also  now  betray  their  trust. 

Bat  thus  misfortune  often  shows 

Her  mahce  by  repeated  blows. 

To  blame  the  i-ust  or  blame  the  wire, 

Or  willow,  brittle  as  a  brier. 

Could  little  comfort  give  at  most 
To  those  now  blistering  in  the  roast. 
The  Brownies  who  saw  comrades  bright 
Suspended  in  that  woeful  plight 
Felt  much  concern,  and  feared,  indeed, 
They  M  tread  no  more  the  dewy  mead. 
But  though  the  giving  out  was  great, 
Enough  remained  to  bear  the  wei'2jht 
That  changed  position  as  c  ;h  shake 
Announced  to  all  the  latest  break. 
'T  was  minutes  only  by  the  clock 
Which  down  at  Naples  crowned  the  block. 
But  to  the  Brownies  dangling  o'er 
The  dread  abyss  it  passed  for  more. 
Below  them,  boiling  hke  a  pot. 
The  lava  rose  all  hissing  hot. 
Until  upon  the  brim  its  glow 
Proclaimed  an  early  overflow. 
The  stones  above  the  flame  and  smoke, 
At  melting-point,  now  whizzing  broke 

124 


'H 


THE  BROWNIES   ON   MOUNT   VESUVIUS. 


tm 


J  ^ 


In  pieces  when  thus  forced  to  bear 
The  influence  of  colder  air. 

All  hands  were  hoisted  out  at  last, 
Some  weak  and  sore,  and  faiUng  fast, 
Then,  dropping  ropes  and 

baskets  there. 
To  leave  was  now  the 
Brownies'  care. 
By  happy  chance,  their  mystic  speed 
Gave  them  a  rod  or  two  of  lead. 
So,  climbing  to  some  ridges  nigh, 
They  watched  the  torrent  rolling  by. 
And  there,  above  high-lava  mark. 
They  waited  till  the  latest  spark 
Of  liquid  fire  in  ashes  died. 
And  then  forsook  the  mountain-side; 
And  as  the  plain  below  they  won. 
The  stars  grew  pale  before  the  sun. 


125 


.'i 


thp:  bkownies' 


eveninjr  star 


CENTURY  RUN. 


led  her  train 


Of  brilliants  o'ei  a  stretching  plain 
Ere  Brownies  had  already  done 
A  portion  of  their  century  iini, 
On  wheels  of  every  style  and  make 
That  could  a  cyclist's  fancy  take. 
But  while  thus  spinning  in  dehght 
No  common  trouble  hove  in  sight. 
Fii'st  yells  that  seemed  their  blood  to  freeze 
Came  startling  from  a  clumi)  of  trends; 
Tlien  crashing  for  the  Brownie  folk 
A  pack  of  wild  hyenas  broke. 
They  're  creatures  of  ill-favored  mien 
With  best  of  care,  in  (.'ages  clean, 
And  food  prepared  fresh  for  the  jaws; 
But  here,  all  tousled  up  with  straws 
And  dust  and  bark,  from  foot  to  head, 
Unkept,  uncared  for,  and  unfed, 

126 


H 


THE   BKOWNIES'   CENTUKY   KUN. 


They  fcn'ined  indeed  a  vile 

parade 

Advaiiciuy;  madlv  from 


:=r-      PALr^^K  ' 


A /nisehoeelrunsioiiere 
truth  sits  still, 

■fishard  to  catch  nnd 
worse  to  hill- 


Ere  this  they  oft  had  broken  fast 
On  luckless  mortals  traveling  past, 
And  seeing  Brownies  as  they  ran, 
Mistook  them  for  some  caravan, 
And  bounded  forth,  believing  tliey 
Were  now  assured  an  easy  prey. 
They  nothing  knew  of  Brownie  lore, 
Or  mvsti(!  traits  in  tliose  before. 
And  started  on  an  enterprise 
That  warranted  some  exercise. 

127 


i>  I 


5I 


I  I 


THE   BROWNTi::s'   CENTURY   RUN. 

So  scared  were  Brownies  for  a  spt^D 
A  number  from  their  saddles  fell, 
And  brought  about,  in  every  case, 
Delays  that  were  much  out  of  place. 
The  beasts,  encouraged  by  the  sign 
Of  panic  all  along  the  line. 
Put  forth  the  loudest  outcry  yet, 
And  counted  every  table  set; 


'f -»  Cox 


In  fancy,  knives  and  forks  were  there, 

The  spoons  to  sco'^p,  and  salt  to  spare, 

With  finger-bowls  and  napkins  clean, 

And  toothpicks  for  the  closing  scene. 

No  caravan  had  come  for  days, 

And  every  eye  was  now  ablaze. 

And,  through  the  spur  of  pressing  nc^ed, 

Tliey  quite  surpassed  all  former  speed. 
But  there  's  no  sharper  spur  than  fear. 
And  Brownies  strained  the  chattering  gear 
Of  ever}'  safety,  old  and  new. 
And  tandem  built  for  ten  or  two. 

128 


THE   brownies'   CENTURY   RUN 


^,-!f^5L 


Before  them  lay  long  miles 

of  track; 
Behind  thorn  closed  the 

starvinjij  pack. 
Untamable,  indeed,  and  rude, 
They  fought  for  place  in 

angry  mood, 
And  pitched  a  chorus  in  the  real 
That  grated  on  a  Brownie's  ear. 
Ere  long,  attracted  by  the  chase, 
Still  other  beasts  appUed  for  place: 
The  wolf,  the  wildcat,  and 

the  bear 
And  jackal  entered  for  their  share. 
Till  those  declared  who  best 

could  see 
A  whole  menagerie  was  free. 


Full  well  we  know  in  every  mn 
There  has  to  be  some  pumping  done, 
And  sad  and  desperate  was  his  case 
Who  had  to  halt  in  such  a  race, 
All  shaky-handed,  to  inspire 
With  scanty  air  a  flabby  tu'e. 
A  bridge  has  been  a  famous  theme 
Since  first  it  learned  to  span 

a  stream. 
And  while  combating  for  the  same 
No  few  have  won  immortal  fame. 
Poor  Tam  O'Shanter  knew  the  boon 
Of  life  lay  in  the  Brig  o'  Doon, 

129 


I 


l',-( 


m 


I 


THE   BKOWNIES'   CENTITRY   liUN. 


And  on  a  bridge  not  far  away 
The  Brownies'  hope  now 
anehored  lay. 


PiLr^SR  Cox. 


To  gain  it  at  a  slight  advance 
Was  now,  indeed,  their  only  chance. 
Th(!  punctured  tires  confessed  how  near 
Were  snapping  teeth  to  Brownies  dear, 
As  tliey  all  pedaled  o'er  the  draw 
And  in  its  rise  their  safety  saw. 


130 


\    . 


f  Com. 


Whaf  cikn  you  do 
when  folK  begin 

To  say  Hieyr*  out, 
whenthfyare  in' 


THE    BROWNIES 

AND    THE    TIDE. 

^was  the  tide  as  fell  the  niglit, 

And  far  to  sea  the  sand  was  white, 
When  Brownies  met  to  chat  a  spell 
About  their  joys  and  cares  as  well. 
Said  one :  "  A  pleasant  life  we  lead, 
To  help  the  poor  in  case  of  need, 
Or  sport  and  ramble  up  and  down 
In  country  now,  and  then  in  town. 
We  pass  the  watchman  at  his  post, 
As  silent  as  the  fabled  ghost. 
We  enter  in  the  hoiises  still 
Where  children  cribs  and  cradles  fill. 
And  older  heads  on  pillows  pressed 
Enjoy  a  good  and  needful  rest. 
We  glance  around  with  prying  eyes. 
To  see  where  work  unfinished  lies, 
Where  weary  handb  let  needles  fall. 
Or  hung  the  garment  on  the  wall, 
To  wait  until  the  morning  light 
Would  more  befit  a  failing  sight. 
How  anxio-.s  all  to  play  their  part — 
To  learn  if  they  have  lost  the  art, 

131 


,/"x^ 


y 


1 


f 


liil 


1  1. 


THE   BUOWNIEH   AND   THE   TIDE. 

To  prov«^  that  th(»y  eiin  point  tho  toe 
Or  tiu'ii  the  lieel  us  years  ago ; 
Ciiii  run  the  gusset,  hem  the  sark, 
And  thread  the  needle  in  the  dark ; 
And  how  between  each  stitch  the  head 
Is  turned  about  to  face  the  bed, 
The  rt'stless  ann  or  foot  to  note, 
The  hghter  breathing,  clearing  throat, 
Or  other  signs  we  apprehend 
Which  tell  when  sleep  is  near  an  end." 
The  Brownies  at  their  evening  play 
Now  ventured  from  the  shore  away, 
And  noticed  not,  though  seldom  slow. 
When  turned  the  Hood  to  inward  flow. 
Although  it  slowly  seemed  to  l(»ave. 
With  scarce  a  murmur  or  a  heave, 
With  hasty  leaps  and  angi-y  roar 
It  sought  again  the  rocky  shore. 
They  ran,  of  course,  but  hope  was  vain 
The  distant  line  of  shore  to  gain. 

Impeded  by  the  currents  strange 

And  flsh  rejoicing  at  the  change 

Still  darting  wildly 
through  the  foam 

As  wide  and  wider 
spread  their  home. 

No  less  tlie  sea-bird's 
bolder  flight 

And  piercing  cry 

j)!'oclaimed  delight ; 

132 


m 


w 


THK    BROWNIRH   AND   THK    ITDE. 


But  pleasure  was  that  momeut  tar 
From  Browuie  sprites  upon  the  bar, 
Now  elimbiug  up  or  sliding  back 
On  rocks  that  chance  flung  in  their  track, 
And  shifting  stations  as  the  wave 
Uave  promise  of  an  early  grave. 

133 


i 


i 


I 


lii 


w 


If; 


llli 


THE  BROWNIES   AND  THE  TTOE. 

Could  mortals  see  them  in  that  plight. 
Retreating  from  the  billows  white, 
Still  eying  stains  or  creases  dark 
In  hopes  to  find  high-water  mark. 
They  'd  hardly  think  again  to  trace 
A  smile  upon  a  Brownie's  face. 


Where  rises  tide  some  forty  feet 
A  person  oft  must  change  his  seat, 
If  he  is  not  prepared  to  die, 
Or  wants  to  keep  his  clothing  dry. 
And  still,  as  Brownies  upward  crept. 
Around  their  heels  the  water  swept 
Until  the  very  peak  or  crown 
By  chafing  waves  was  taken  down 

134 


THE  BROWNIES  AND   THE  TIDE. 

And  only  Brownies  were  in  view, 
A  j?roiip  nbove  the  ocean  blue. 
The  spindle-legs  soon  went  below; 
Their  bodies  felt  the  chiUiiii,'  How; 
Tiieir  necks  were  stretched,  as  wave 

iipcurled, 
To  still  connect  them  with  the  world; 
The  birds,  supposing  all  was  through. 
With  life  and  action  round  them  flew. 
Yet  kept  aloof  whene'er  they  spied 
Their  eyes  still  rolling  bright  and  wide. 
But  even  here  it  gives  us  rest 
To  know  how  well  they  stood  the  test. 


Said  one,  betwei^n  the  waves  that  broke 
Across  his  face  and  checked  his  croak  : 
"  1  've  always  said,  and  still  maintain, 
IVlisfoi'tunes  yield  a  certain  gain; 
They  prove  our  nei-A'c  and  closer  bring 
The  friends  that  through  disaster  chng; 
What  though  we  now  and  then  may 

feel 
Around  our  legs  a  wandering  eel, 
Or  something  bobbing  at  our  toes, 
That  no  one  but  a  mermaid  knows. 
If  from  the  trial  we  can  rise 
With  better  sense  and  firmer  ties?" 
Another  spoke,  his  latest  speech 
Before  his  mouth  took  in  a  leech. 
And  through  his  nose  he  then  ii  spired 
The  nourishment  his  lungs  required: 

135 


I 


I! 


THE   BROWNTE8   AND   THE   TIDE. 


~=^--^^^"       /'/(i'^E'!  C0)«.. 


"No  tree  can  provi^  liovv  well  it  bends 
Until  the  hurficnine  deseeiids ; 
80  wo  tlirou^h  tiiuls  of  this  kind 
Are  able  to  enrich  the  mind. 
'T  is  bettt^r  than  a  year's  advice. 
The  tide  will  never  catch  us  twice, 
But  what  I  h^arn  of  ocean  more 
Than  now  I  know  shall  be  on  shore." 
The  sea  has  limits,  as  the  land, 
And  must  obey  the  moon's  connnand 
To  check  its  pace  and  be  content 
To  rise  no  more  on  mischief  bent. 


. 


THE   BROWNIES   AND   THE   TIDE. 


Although  you  droit) 

Hi«  righr«ou»  bUidt, 

You  may  be  tiri.rto 
nrMl  the  spade . 


The  Brownies,  let  me  emphasize, 

Were  not  prepared  for  greater  I'ise. 

Another  inch  above  the  rock 

Had  given  all  the  world  a  shock ; 

A  wave  no  thicker  than  your  hand 

Had  cost  us  all  ll'.e  Brownie  band. 

The  bubbles,  as  in  boiling  pots. 

Began  to  rise  and  float  in  spots. 

When  things  are  at  the  worst,  they  say, 

They  sometimes  mend  and  come  our  way ; 

And  haply  in  the  nick  of  time. 

When  hope  seemed  hardly  worth  a  dime, 

The  flood  was   checked   through    nature's 

plan, 
And,  to  their  joy,  the  ebb  began. 
The  seaweed  drifting  for  the  beach 
No  nigher  to  its  port  could  reach, 
But  promptly,  ^vithout  turn  or  tack, 
(Commenced  its  random  jjurney  back. 

The  billows  hissed  no  more  in  scorn. 

But,  whispering,  left  to  find  Cape  Horn. 

No  choice  had  fish  ;  their  place  they  knew. 

The  birds  turned  tail  and  outward  flew. 

To  run  was  now  the  Brownies'  care. 

And  leave  the  rocks  ere  fully  bare; 

And  as  the  sun  on  Scotland  fell. 

They  x*eached  the  sh^re  alive  and  well. 


137 


i' 


Ik  !l 


THE  BROWNIES 

SPIOPPING. 

E  birds  of  day  had  settled  down 

Upon  their  roosts  in  forests  brown, 
And  men  before  the  deepening  shade 
Had  laid  aside  the  tools  of  trade 

To  seek  the  rest  the  evening  brought, 

When  Brownie  sprites  a  meeting  sought. 

Their  conversation  scarce  began 

Before  upon  their  waits  it  ran. 

Said  one:  "This  thought  oft  comes  of  late. 

When  I  review  our  seedy  state : 

Through  all  adventures  heretofore, 

At  home  or  on  a  foreign  shore. 

These  suits  we  Ve  worn  by  day  and  night 

Without  a  change,  however  sliglit. 

And  soon  a  treat  should  be  at  hand 

For  every  member  of  the  band." 

Another  said:  "A  change  is  near; 

I  'm  not  unmindful,  nev3r  fear; 

In  my  excursions  wide  1  found 

A  shop  that  covers  blocks  of  ground;     *^ 

138 


^\ 


THE  BROWNIES  SHOPPING. 


^[^ 


There  r;lotliing  lies  of  every  form 
And  fashion,  for  the  sun  or  storm, 
The  man  of  years  can  quickly  find 
The  gar.inents  there  to  suit  his  mind, 
And  there  the  babe 

in  arms  may  smile 
To  see  the  mfants' 

latest  style. 
The  price  of  every 

garment  there 
Is  marked  in  figures 

full  and  fair. 
As  Brownies  may  not 

mortals  meet 
In  shops,  no  more  than  /5./^c^^^^^^^^^^^ 
in  the  street, 

We  '11  take  things  at  the  rate  they  name, 
And  not  incur  the  slightest  blame; 
To-mon*ow  night  let  all  the  band 
Assemble  with  the  cash  in  hand; 
Let  savin      t»anks  be  emptied  out 
And  eveiy  pocket  round  about 
Receive  a  call,  that  wo  may  do 
Some  shopping  ere  the  night  i.^  through." 

Then  little  banks  that  hel<^  thrir  sttore, 
Some  light  enough,  but  weighty  more, 
^M      sT'         Were  brought  in  view  to  quickly  yield 
*/"^^S.^C^^^^^     The  savings  thoy  so  loir    concealed. 
_.^^f^^^v         Where  all  was  earn*    ,  or  in  what  way, 
V        ^    'T  is  needless  here  for  me  to  say; 

139 


ii  V- 


H 


THE  BROWNIES   SHOPPING. 

The  reader  may  be  well  content 
To  know  that  every  single  cent 
Or  ha'penny  that  each  safe  contained 
By  honest  effoiis  had  been  gained. 
Then  to  that  shop  that  was  assigned 
The  night  before  with  wilhng  mind 


'^^'^t,^ 


<^r    < 


The  Brownies  did  at  once  repair, 
Through  public  park  and  private  square. 
It  causes  them  but  slioi-t  delay 
To  find  a  fitting  en  trance- way. 
To  sing  the  Brownies'  praise  and  tell 
The  work  they  do  and  do  it  well, 
Leave  naught  untold  or  out  of  sight 
That  would  illume  their  record  bright. 

140 


■■H 


THE  BROWNirS  SHOPPING. 

Would  take  much  longer  than  the  sfian 

Allotted  to  a  mortal  man  ; 

One  might  be  scribbling  till  the  blast 

Of  doom  put  all  such  notions  past, 

And  then,  in  spite  of  zeal  and  skill. 

Be  only  at  the  preface  still. 

Ah,  they  have  ways  to  come  and  go 

That  we  may  never  live  to  know; 


The  cliilcl  that  heeds 
the  parent's  nod 

Will  need  feu)  lessons 
from   the  rod. 


Can  one  expect  to  tally  keep 

Of  fish  that  dai-t  through  ocean  deep? 

To  watch  their  windings  and  their  play 
At  hide-and-seek,  from  day  to  day? 
No  one  has  power,  save  Him  alone 
Who  gave  each  fish  its  wealth  of  bone, 
Its  icy  blood  and  oily  scale. 
Peculiar  fiis  and  driving  tail, 
And  said:  "Go  forth,  like  lightning  flit. 
And  cleave  the  wave  as  thou  art  fit; 

But  whether  sporting  in  the  brine, 

Or  strugghng  on  the  angler's  line, 

I  will  take  heed,  for  thou  art  mine." 


Ere  long  each  active  member  stepped 
Within  the  place  where  goods  were  kept. 
The  kind  of  clothing  there  they  found 
Would  suit  the  people,  earth  around  — 
The  English  red,  the  Chinese  blue, 
The  buckRkin  for  the  painted  Sioux. 
Egyptian  garments  white  as  snow. 
And  fur  coats  for  the  Eskimo 

141 


"'iltlf  CtK  .' 


''. 


,il, 


[ 


I! 


THE  BROWNIES  SHOPPING. 

Were  ready  made  on  every  side, 
With  cards  of  size  and  price  supplied. 
What  trying  on  at  once  began 
As  here  and  there  the  Brownies  ran ! 


^P. 


Now  to  a  mirror  in  a  pack, 
To  get  a  view  of  side  or  back; 
Now  to  a  drawer  to  find  the  shears 
To  chp  a  tail  that  long  appears; 
Now  for  a  needle  and  some  thread 
To  give  some  buttons  wider  spread, 
Or  lift  them  on  the  back  still  more 
To  match  the  suit  so  long  they  wore. 

142 


THE   BROWNIES   SHOPPING. 


Then  Brownie  skill  had  ample  range 
While  bringing  round  each  needed  change. 


m  ALTERATION     M 
'^  |d  E  PARTMENT,  my 


li'iw|!!^';i!J'flrTi'iri|ii  I  vVi'T'''' ''''''' '''iii'f''iii!!'iii'"iP'^'i'i''ii!iy''!i?^''  ■M'm'n'-"'']} ^'?l!i:1l;/l)]ilWlllilWl^lll'T''il''''HTl||']TTi'||'''"Tl||l|l|'l 


^9..Q^imm 


iM 


v^ 


But  better  hands  could  not  apply 

A  balky  thr'>ad  to  needle's  eye, 

Or  with  the  shears  bring  garments  all 

To  fit  like  plaster  on  the  wall. 

Some,  finding  what  they  wished  with  ease, 

Gave  aid  to  those  more  hard  to  please, 

Till  every  one  was  suited  right 

And  every  face  was  beaming  bright. 

Then  value  to  the  smallest  thread 

Was  laid  upon  the  board  instead. 

Those  falling  short  found  friends  near  by 

The  wanting  shilling  to  supply, 

For  Brownies  rather  have  a  heart 

Alive  to  every  noble  part 

Than  all  the  treasure  one  could  hide 

In  vaults,  however  deep  or  wide. 

148 


THE  BROWNIES  SHOPPING. 


i' 


Be  sure  no  losses  were  sustained 
By  those  where  outfits  were  obtained. 
They  found  at  mom  the  money  there. 
To  smallest  fraction  counted  fair, 
But,  lo!  a  greater  value  lay 
In  what  the  rogues  had  thrown  away. 
The  cast-off  garments  left  behind 
Proved  riches  of  the  rarest  kind, 
All  labeled  as  a  guarantee 
That  they  were  borne  across  the  sea 
Upon  the  forms  of  Brownies  small, 
The  only  band  upon  the  ball. 
No  delving  in  an  ancient  site 
Could  bring  such  curios  to  light. 
The  bits  of  braid  and  buttons  old 
Were  counted  worth  their  weight  in  gold, 
And  soon  were  gathered  up  to  be 
Preserved  where  all  the  world  could  see. 


If  you  are  honest, 

little  acta, 
Aft  tdell  Aslnrf  e. 
Mill  publisK  facts. 


144 


ooest, 
tK  facta. 


} 


THE  BROWNIES   CROSS 

THE   ATLANTIC. 


Second  Stage. 

TILL  farther  north  the  Brownie  band 
Pursued  their  way  across  the  strand 
To  where  the  sea,  with  capes  and  isles, 
Is  narrowed  to  one  thousand  miles. 
And  here  they  planned  some  logs  to  find. 
And  build  a  raft  of  strongest  kind. 
On  which  they  all  might  safely  ride. 
Until  they  reached  the  eastern  side, 
And  then  continue  on  their  way 
Thrcfugh  foreign  lands  without  delay. 

Said  one  :  "At  this  time  of  the  year 

The  currents  eastward  set  from  here; 

And  if  om*  raft  but  holds  together, 

And  we  are  blessed  with  pleasant  weather. 

Within  a  fortnight,  at  the  most. 

We  '11  surely  reach  the  Norway  coast." 

Another  said:    "Somewhat  I  know 

About  that  ocean's  ebb  and  flow. 

And  tell  you,  ere  you  court  such  ills 

You  'd  all  do  well  to  make  your  wills. 

19 


